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Switzerland sweeps downhill at Harbin Universiade
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Swiss skiers overcame the chilly wind to win downhills in both the men's and women's individual events at the Harbin Unviersiade on Friday.

Lowly-ranked Tamara Wolf started first to lock victory in women's downhill in 1:39.35 for her first triumph after staying away from international competition for three years over injury.

Mirena Kueng, Wolf's teammate, was 1.15 seconds behind to take the second and Kato Chika of Japan, who was the top ranked skier here in FIS points, was a slight slower 1.21 seconds adrift.

In men's downhill, Sandro Boner won Switzerland the second downhill gold medal minutes later after Wolf's top podium finish in 1:35.39.

Michael Sablatnik of Austria was edged down by a slim 0.09 seconds. Anoter (Christoph) Boner also from Switzerland managed a third place 0.17 seconds down.

"Today is my first victory after my injury three years ago. I'm so happy and a little bit surprise. Since my last injury, I'm hungry for a win on downhill," said Wolf, who's from the University Zurich.

Wolf's best result before the Universiade was third-place finish in downhill in the Junior World Championships in 2003 in France.

"The course is so hard because it's so windy today, but I think it's the same for all the racers. I think tonight there will be a little celebration in our team because the second finisher (in women's downhill) is my teammate," added the 23-year-old.

She is going to race in women's Super-G slalom here. To her time down the course in Yabuli, she's satisfied. "The result is good for downhill, even in Switzerland."

"I train a little bit everywhere in Switzerland. A little physical training and train in not only winter also in summer. Normally I train with the European Cup teams. I'm a good skier in my hometown," said she.

The tough weather of heavy snow overnight and strong wind during the races let some downhillers down.

(Xinhua New Agency February 20, 2009)

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