Huefner brings up fifth women's world title

The German luger, who has the full complement of Olympic medals to her name, set the fastest time on the opening run before following that up with another solid showing on her second to finish with a combined time of 1:19.712.

That was enough for her to take victory ahead of American Erin Hamlin by 0.213 seconds while Canada's Kimberley McRae was third, a further 0.017 back.

Reigning Olympic and defending World champion Natalie Geisenberger set a new track record of 39.822 seconds on her second attempt but it was not enough to rescue her following an error-strewn first run as she finished sixth overall.

By winning her fifth gold medal in the women's singles, following her previous triumphs in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2012, Huefner cements her position as the most successful World Championship luger of all time – her record reading as five gold, one silver and one bronze while she also has two mixed team golds and a sprint bronze.

She is also tied at the top of the overall rankings with Sylke Otto of Germany.

She said : "I don't know what to say – I'd never have believed I would win another title here after my first one 10 years ago. It's unreal."

Sportsbeat 2017