Petra Vlhová won the parallel slalom in St Moritz ©Getty Images

Slovakia's Petra Vlhová took full advantage of the absence of American Mikaela Shiffrin as she triumphed in the parallel slalom event at the International Ski Federation Alpine Skiing World Cup in St Moritz.

Vlhová, the world giant slalom champion, beat Anna Swenn-Larsson of Sweden in the head-to-head big final.

Franziska Gritsch of Austria won the small final after crossing the line ahead of Meta Hrovat of Slovenia.

Vlhová made a slow start to the gold medal race but recovered to pip Larsson and earn maximum points from the competition.

Petra Vlhová won the big final to earn maximum points ©Getty Images
Petra Vlhová won the big final to earn maximum points ©Getty Images

Victory handed the Slovakian, considered the strongest challenger to Shiffrin's dominance of the overall title, a 10th career World Cup win.

Vlhová and Gritsch finished behind Shiffrin in a traditional slalom two weeks ago in Killington.

The parallel event made its debut on the Alpine Skiing World Cup calendar two years ago and sees two skiers tackle the course simultaneously.

The World Cup circuit continues with a women's giant slalom event in Courchevel in France on Tuesday (December 17).