It was the fourth World Cup win of the 23-year-old’s career in what was the penultimate event in this year's series.

But, with around three weeks to go until the Opening Ceremony in South Korea, Germany’s 2014 Olympic champion Natalie Geisenberger made it clear that she will mount a strong defence of her title as she finished second to retain a commanding lead in the overall World Cup standings.

Geisenberger finished one place ahead of fellow German Julia Taubitz.

She now has  880 points in the overall rankings, with  compatriot Tatjana Hüfner second overall on 645 points, having finished fourth this weekend.

Another German competitor, Dajana Eitberger, currently lies third on 634 points after crashing on her second run and failing to finish.

German dominance of the luge doubles continued as world champions Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken secured their eighth win of the season to extend their lead in the overall standings

 "We are one of only a few doubles pairings who have managed to improve year on year. After an almost perfect season in 2016-2017," said Benecken.

"We’ve managed to do even better this year so we are delighted with our performance."

The Austrian pairing of Peter Penz and Georg Fischler earned their fifth second place of the Olympic winter season, while third place went to Germany’s Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt.

After 10 of 13 events, Eggert and Benecken lead the overall World Cup rankings with 970 points.

Wendl and Arlt are second with 722 points, and Austria’s team of Peter Penz and Georg Fischler are third on 631.

The event is due to conclude tomorrow the Sprint World Cup tomorrow.

The World Cup season finale is due to take place from next Friday (January 26) to Sunday (January 28) in Sigulda in Latvia.