Vonn Ties American Downhill Record

Lindsey Vonn won her ninth career World Cup downhill Saturday, matching the American record set by Picabo Street and Daron Rahlves.

The victory propelled Vonn to the top of the overall World Cup standings, three points ahead of Nicole Hosp of Austria.

''It's awesome. I was super-psyched about that, and I still have (three) more (downhills) this season, so hopefully I can get another one under my belt,'' Vonn said.

Vonn used a much straighter line than the other skiers to cover the 1.84-mile Kandahar Banchetta course in 1 minute, 38.86 seconds. It's the same downhill course the men used at the 2006 Turin Olympics.

''She's a speed train!'' the race announcer yelled as Vonn posted one split time faster than another.

Kelly Vanderbeek of Canada was second, 0.62 behind, and Nadia Fanchini of Italy was third on a clear and sunny day. Austrian veteran Renate Goetschl finished tied for fourth with Nadia Styger of Switzerland.

''I definitely went a little straighter,'' Vonn said. ''But I was out of my tuck and just being clean and solid but definitely carrying speed down the fall line.''

Vonn has 968 points in the overall standings, the first time she's led since Dec. 28. Hosp finished 23rd on Saturday.

American Julia Mancuso lost control at the beginning of her run and nearly fell, raising her right ski high up into the air to regain her balance. She finished 22nd.

''I don't really know what happened. It happened too fast,'' Mancuso said. ''I hit a bump and it jacked my ski.''

Vonn has won four of the seven downhills this season and _ including a super-combi win. She has five overall victories this season.

''This season has been crazy,'' Vonn said. ''I've had quite a few wins this year and it's not normal for me, so it's definitely really exciting.''

In the downhill standings, Vonn leads Goetschl by 575 to 323. She could wrap up the downhill title in the next race in Vancouver.

American Chelsea Marshall finished eighth for the best result of her career. In her three previous World Cup races, Marshall had not placed higher than 34th.

Last season, Mancuso won four races. She has no victories so far.

''I'm just trying to figure out my equipment,'' Mancuso said. ''I've just been having a hard time finding my skis. They're just a little more difficult to turn and it's difficult figuring out what works.''

At the 2006 Turin Games, the women raced in nearby San Sicario. Vonn said the course doesn't matter.

''I've been doing the same thing pretty much every race no matter what hill it is, which is just skiing solid and clean and trying not to make mistakes,'' she said.