WINTER SPORTS ROUNDUP : Merle Regains 1989 Form, Wins Women’s Super Giant Slalom

Carole Merle of France, sidelined nearly a year by a knee injury, won a women’s super giant slalom Saturday at Meribel, France.

Merle was timed in 1 minute 5.05 seconds. Second went to Switzerland’s Maria Walliser in 1:05.37, and West Germany’s Michaela Gerg took third in 1:06.01.

Merle dominated super-G last season until being injured after winning three consecutive races.

East Germany’s Gunda Kleemann took the overall lead after the first day of the women’s world all-around speed skating championships at Calgary by finishing second in the 3,000 meters and fifth in the 500 meters.

Jacqueline Boerner of East Germany won the 3,000 in 4:19.86, and Seiko Hashimoto of Japan took the 500 meters in 40.22 seconds.

Gustav Weder of Switzerland, who was on the winning sled in the world two-man Bobsled Championships last weekend, had his team in the lead after the first day of the four-man championships at St. Moritz, Switzerland.