Marcel Hirscher celebrates after winning the giant slalom in Zagreb, Croatia.

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Austria's Marcel Hirscher wins World Cup Slalom race

Sweden's Andre Myhrer came second with Austria's Mario Matt in third place

Victory is Hirscher's third of the season following an impressive year

CNN  — 

Austria’s Marcel Hirscher claimed his third World Cup slalom win of the season in Zagreb.

The 23-year-old, who has now recorded nine consecutive podium finishes in both slalom and giant slalom, grabbed the 15th World Cup victory of his career.

Hirscher edged out Sweden’s Andre Myhrer after his run of 1min 56.17sec over the two legs, while Austria’s Mario Matt was third.

‘Crazy’ dead heat in World Cup ski race

The result means that Hirscher extends his lead at the top of the slalom standings as well as moving back to the lead in the overall championship.

“I like to know exactly where the ruts are,” Hirscher told the competition’s official website.

“I try to get as much information as I can from the coaches, but when there are about three races left before me, I try to tune everything out and focus on what I need to do in order to be fast.

“I knew that in the second run I needed to avoid making any mistakes if I wanted to have a chance at finishing ahead of Myhrer. I really gave it my best, I always do and this year I really have been getting a lot back.”

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Myhrer was more than happy with second place, despite running Hirscher so close.

He said: “I’m happy with how I skied, it was not easy and I am glad I did my best and this second place feels really good.

“This is definitely a different kind of race where the crowd makes you fly down the course and being on the podium with this atmosphere really makes me happy.”