SHELLEY Rudman closed in on top spot in the women's World Cup standings by finishing second in a weather affected sixth round in St Moritz this morning.

Pewsey ace Rudman, the winner at last week's race in Konigssee, moved up to second overall, just 23 points behind series leader Marion Thees, of Germany, after finishing second behind British teammate Lizzy Yarnold in Switzerland.

Kent slider Yarnold, who replaced 2010 Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams as Britain's second representative in the World Cup midway through the campaign, claimed her first-ever top-flight win as the race was reduced to just one run by heavy snowfall.

Yarnold clocked 1:11.93, with Rudman making it a British one-two by coming home in 1:12.18.

Katharina Heinz, of Germany, clocked 1:12.22 for third spot with Thees back in fourth.

Canada's Mellissa Hollingsworth was further down the field, allowing Rudman to leapfrog her into third overall.

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