Miller second fastest after first run of men's slalom

PARK CITY, Utah (AP) -- Bode Miller, trying to become the first American to win three Olympic medals in Alpine skiing, was second fastest on the opening run of the men's slalom Saturday.

The second run was set for later Saturday.

Miller, who already has silver medals in the giant slalom and the combined event, trailed only France's Jean-Pierre Vidal on the morning run. Vidal finished in 48.01 seconds, and Miller's time was 48.37.

Benjamin Raich of Austria was third in 49.34 and Croatia's Ivica Kostelic -- whose sister, Janica, won an unprecedented four Alpine medals here -- was fourth fastest in 49.60.

Kostelic leads the World Cup slalom standings this season, followed by Miller and Vidal.

Miller skied first in the morning run, just as he had in Thursday's giant slalom. The top seven skiers in each event, based on World Cup rankings, are allocated the first seven starting spots by lottery.

Starting first can be an advantage in slalom, where the course often deteriorates quickly. But the opening skier has no chance to watch others go down the course and learn from their mistakes.