Limbacher, who endured a lengthy absence from the sport owing to an anterior cruciate ligament injury two years ago, was locked in a tense battle with French veteran Ophélie David and the pair crossed the line almost in unison.

Neither the competitors, the spectators nor the officials knew who had taken gold before the screen flashed with news of Limbacher's victory by less than a hand, sending the Austrian crowd into a state of euphoria.

Switzerland's Fanny Smith claimed bronze, while Germany's Julia Eichinger suffered the heartbreak of finishing just shy of the podium.

"It's unbelievable, seeing I won gold," Limbacher said.

"I would have been happy with silver, but I'm happier with gold.

"I was hoping for some luck, and that if everything went well for me today the gold medal was possible, and I caught it."

Filip Flisar earned a surprise win in the men's event as he took gold ahead of Olympic champion JJean-Frédéric Chapuis ©Getty Images



In the men's ski cross competition, Slovenia's Filip Flisar picked up his maiden world title as he ousted Olympic champion Jean-Frédéric Chapuis in the final in what was another desperate defeat for France.

Swede Victor Öhling Norberg looked to be heading for gold but Flisar made a genius move going into the final corner before he shot into a lead which he held right to the finish as he earned an historic win.

Sweden's Öhling Norberg came through to take what he may feel was a disappointing bronze, while there was yet more heartache for Germany as Paul Eckert finished fourth.

"Finally I get everything together," Flisar said.

"It was a long time [coming].

"I was having hard times last season, but it seems that I still have the motivation and that I can still get it together and ski when I need it.

"That's what I did and I've got it [the gold medal] now."

The men's competition had to be delayed after a nasty-looking crash involving Thomas Zangerl of Austria and Armin Niederer of Switzerland, and both competitors were taken to hospital as a result.

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