France's Chapuis wins ski cross world title

Jean Frederic Chapui of France celebrates winning the ski cross world title.

Hakon Mosvold Larsen/Reuters

VOSS, Norway (AP) Jean Frederic Chapuis of France won the ski cross title for his first major victory Sunday, beating countryman Bastien Midol in the final at the freestyle world championships.

John Teller of the United States took the bronze. The fourth finalist, Jouni Pellinen of Finland, fell and failed to finish.

Chapuis has never won a World Cup event. His best finish was third place in Germany last year.

In the women's race, 20-year-old Fanny Smith of Switzerland beat World Cup champion Marielle Thompson of Canada. Ophelie David of France won the bronze medal.

Smith needed a strong comeback in the semifinals. She was in last position but managed to finish second to reach the final.