ZAUCHENSEE, Austria — Lindsey Vonn of the United States won a World Cup super-combined race despite nearly crashing in the downhill leg.

The defending overall champion posted the third-fastest time in the slalom leg Saturday to finish in 2 minutes, 40.53 seconds overall. Kathrin Zettel of Austria was second, 0.30 seconds back, while Anja Paerson of Sweden finished third.

"It was incredible. It was a tough day," Vonn said. "I thought that I would be hurt or crashing (in the downhill), I thought it was over. I tried to get a solid, clean run, no mistakes."

Vonn lost her balance during a downhill jump and almost crashed backward early in her run. She broke the fall with her right arm and quickly recovered.

"That was scary," Vonn said. "I wasn't in the right position. That was dangerous. I am just happy that I am not injured. My thumb hurts a bit, but it's no problem."

Overall World Cup leader Maria Riesch of Germany went out in the slalom after misjudging a turn early in her run. Riesch stayed atop the standings with 729 points, with Vonn second at 716.

American Julia Mancuso, who won the event two years ago, was out of contention during the downhill after a bump in the course threw her off line.

Larisa Yurkiw of Canada, who surprised the field by posting the fastest time in the downhill, missed a gate in the slalom.