Norway’s Timon Haugan took the lead after the opening run of the men’s slalom on Thursday’s last day of the alpine ski World Cup Final.

The 28-year-old Norwegian seeks his fourth career World Cup race victory, all in slalom. He has won twice this season, in December at Alta Badia, Italy and last month in Schladming, Austria.

Haugan led after the opening run with a time of 51.39 seconds with France’s Clement Noel next, 0.10sec back, and season points leader Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway third in 51.53.

Kristoffersen could be overtaken by Noel and Swiss reigning world champion Loic Meillard, who stood eighth on 53.07, for the globe in the final race.

There was nearly a serious incident when a skier checking the slope condition crossed in front of German racer Linus Strasser.