NAEBA-SAN, Japan — The Japan leg of the men's World Cup slalom was called off on Sunday because of adverse weather at Yuzawa Naeba, organizers said.

Rain and gusting winds forced the postponed of the morning's first run three times, before organizers decided not to take the risk.

The sport's governing FIS said details of the rescheduled event would be announced at a later date.

Croatia's Filip Zubcic won Saturday's giant slalom in blustery conditions.

The Japanese leg went ahead as planned despite fears over the deadly coronavirus, which forced the cancellation of the men's downhill in Yanqing, China last weekend.

But with skiers only able to complete the giant slalom completed on their Asian swing, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde was able to consolidate his lead in the race for the overall World Cup.

The Norwegian, who captured his first victory of the season in last week's Super-G at Saalbach, tops the standings on 1,022 points with Kristoffersen on 948 and France's Olympic bronze medallist Alexis Pinturault a further 50 points behind. — AFP