Canada’s Marielle Thompson increased her advantage in the FIS Ski Cross World Cup standings after taking victory in Italian resort Watles today ©Getty Images

Canada's Marielle Thompson increased her advantage in the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Cross World Cup standings after taking victory in Italian resort Watles today.

The 24-year-old Olympic champion picked up the maximum 100 points after holding off the challenge of Switzerland’s Fanny Smith and France’s Marielle Berger Sabbatel, the respective second and third-place finishers in the big final.

Thompson now has 620 points, 197 more than nearest challenger Smith.

Germany’s Heidi Zacher, who finished ninth today, is 207 points off the pace in third.

Switzerland's Alex Fiva won the men's race ©Getty Images
Switzerland's Alex Fiva won the men's race ©Getty Images

In the men’s race, Switzerland’s Alex Fiva earned his second win of the season.

Canada’s Brady Leman came second, while yesterday’s winner Armin Niederer of Switzerland had to settle for third spot today.

France’s Jean Frederic Chapuis continues to lead the World Cup standings, despite finishing fourth today, with 469 points.

Leman is 62 behind in second, followed by Fiva who is a further 23 back in third.

The World Cup is due to resume on February 4, with the first of two races in Feldberg in Germany.