Vonn had won silver in the Super-G at the previous two World Championships

American Lindsey Vonn began her quest for a record medal haul at the World Ski Championships in Val d'Isere with victory in the super-G on Tuesday.

Vonn, 24, is aiming to become the first woman to finish on the podium in all five events at the same championships.

She clocked one minute 20.73 seconds to finish 0.34 secs ahead of home favourite Marie Marchand-Arvier.

Britain's Chemmy Alcott, continuing her comeback from a broken ankle, posted a career-best 20th place in 1:25.19.

British Alpine Ski Team head coach Mark Tilston said: "It was a creditable performance given that six weeks ago Chemmy was still on crutches.

"It was also a difficult course with lots of turns and bumps and it was raced in flat light conditions. It is a realistic indication of where we expected her to be, given her lack of snow time this season."

Alcott will hope for higher-placed finishes in the downhill, super-combined, giant slalom and slalom events in which she is also due to compete.

The technically demanding and treacherous La Face piste saw several competitors ski out, among them reigning two-time champion Anja Paerson of Sweden.

606: DEBATE I think we could see Vonn do very well - I've got a feeling we could see her take the Downhill/Combined/Slalom titles HNMonster

"I saw all the others having problems and many going out and I started wondering what would happen to me," said Vonn.

"It was really difficult because you couldn't see well.

"I knew I needed an amazing run and I had it. I'm so relieved to have won a gold medal at last."

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