Clement Noel charged into the lead after the opening run in Sunday's World Cup slalom at Wengen, where he is attempting to win for the second year in a row. The Frenchman topped the times with a blistering run of 50.72sec in sunny conditions at the Swiss resort, ahead of discipline leader Henrik Kristoffersen (+0.67) and Marco Schwarz (+0.73). Alexis Pinturault, who is two points clear of Kristoffersen atop the overall standings, was joint fourth fastest (+0.99) alongside Switzerland's Ramon Zenhaeusern. Home skier Daniel Yule is bidding for a third consecutive slalom victory following wins at Madonna di Campiglio and Adelboden. He was a distant 12th after the first run at 1.48sec. The second leg is scheduled for 1215 GMT. ebe/clv/mw