Ivanova wins World Cup luge race, Taubitz leads standings

WHISTLER, British Columbia (AP) — Russia’s Tatiana Ivanova had the fastest time in both heats and was an easy winner Friday in a women’s World Cup luge race.

Germany’s Anna Berreiter was second and Russia’s Viktoriia Demchenko took third. Germany’s Julia Taubitz was fourth, good enough to keep her spot atop the World Cup overall standings.

Emily Sweeney was the top U.S. finisher, placing seventh. Summer Britcher of the U.S. struggled in her first run and finished last in a 28-racer field, yet remained third in the seasonlong standings — two spots ahead of Sweeney.

The men’s World Cup race in Whistler was being held later Friday night.