Pinturault wins men's World Cup giant slalom in Japan

YUZAWA, Japan (AP) Alexis Pinturault led a 1-2 finish for France in the men's World Cup giant slalom on Saturday.

Pinturault, who was second after the first run, used a blistering second run of 1 minute, 17.78 seconds to finish 0.51 ahead of compatriot Mathieu Faivre.

Massimiliano Blardone of Italy was third, 0.67 off the pace.

Fritz Dopfer of Germany led after the first run but dropped down to seventh after a second effort of 1:19.75.

Marcel Hirscher of Austria, who leads the giant slalom standings, was sixth, 1.31 seconds back.

With his first giant slalom win of the season, Pinturault moved into second place in the standings.

Ted Ligety of the United States is third in the standings but did not take part in Saturday's race.