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Bode Miller wins title after Cuche bows out

Bode Miller clinched his second overall title in four years yesterday when his closest challenger decided not to race in one of the final two races of the season.

Didier Cuche still had a mathematical chance of finishing ahead of the American in the final standings but Swiss team spokeswoman Kristina Schneider said yesterday that he would not compete in the final slalom.

Miller, who also won the coveted Crystal Globe in 2005, finished ahead of his Swiss rival in yesterday's super-G to increase his overall lead to 191 points. Hannes Reichelt of Austria won the race, while Miller was 12th and Cuche ended 16th, one spot outside the points range.

Cuche, a speed specialist who won the downhill season title over Miller earlier this week, doesn't race the slalom.

Miller declined to speak to reporters at the finish line.

"I am not talking today," he said.

Miller's personal coach John McBride, who set yesterday's course, said he was glad the title came before the final race.

"I am very happy I don't have to drag this all the way to the slalom and chew my fingers off watching him try to bring home the bacon in the slalom," McBride told The Associated Press. "Even though I know he can, it would have really nerve-racking for me. I'm super relieved that he's done it because I think he proved he was the best overall skier this year." Miller split from the U.S. team this season to train on his own.

"I am proud of the kid. We definitely had our ups and downs this season," McBride said.

■ WORLD CUP HALFPIPE

Jennifer Hudak of the US and Micheal Riddle of Canada won World Cup freestyle skiing halfpipe events on Wednesday.

Hudak won the women's event with a score of 40.20, with Canadian duo Sarah Burke and Rosalind Groenewoud filling out the podium.

Burke was second with 39.70 points, while Groenewoud scored 29.80 for third.

In the men's event, Riddle scored 44.50 to edge Kalle Leinonen of Finland with 43.40, and Xavier Bertoni of France with 43.10.
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