Bormio - Slovenian Alpine skier Žan Kranjec finished second in a World Cup giant slalom race in Italy's Santa Caterina after clocking in the best time in the first run. The race was won by Croatia's Filip Zubčić.

Although he was 69 hundredths ahead of Zubčić after the first run, Kranjec's second-run performance was not strong enough to secure him his third World Cup win.

The second place is his first podium result this season, making him the athlete who has secured Slovenian man's Alpine skiing the 100th podium World Cup result so far.

The Slovenian camp welcomed the result, yet with some bitterness given that Kranjec was in the running for a win.

"Second place is a great result and I'm glad to be again on the podium after some time," said the 28-year-old skier, but regretted having lost the advantage from the first run by making some mistakes in the second one.

Coach Klemen Bergant said Kranjec was still in the development stage in terms of wins and top results, which he hopes will grow out of as soon as possible.

After three World Cup races, Kranjec is sixth overall and fourth in giant slalom ranking.