SHELLEY Rudman made a solid start to the defence of her World Cup title in Lake Placid today.

The Pewsey slider, 30, finished ninth after two qualifying runs in the opening round in America to qualify for tomorrow's third and final run.

The Wiltshire woman was the third fastest British competitor, teammates Donna Creighton and Lizzy Yarnold finishing fourth and eight respectively.

Rudman said on Twitter: "Nice to have made tomorrow's final 1 race heat! Nothing to lose and everything to gain.

NEWS ON TOMORROW'S FINAL RUN AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND REACTION IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES