Nika Prevc dominates in Zao
Jan 19, 2024·Ski Jumping
Nika Prevc won the first competitin in Zao with 98.5 and 96 meters and 235.2 points and it was her fifth victory this season. Yuki Ito landed in second place with 90 and the day's best distance of 101.5 meters and 223.1 points, creating a good atmosphere among the Japanese fans. Third place went to Canada's Alexandria Loutitt with 94 and 98.5 meters and 216.7 points.
"I always find the trips to Japan very interesting. I particularly enjoy jumping here because you can tell how much effort people make here," said the Slovenian, commenting on her success in her usual matter-of-fact manner. Team colleague Nika Kriznar finished fourth after her qualifying victory the day before, ensuring that Slovenia will go into Saturday's super team jumping competition as the top favorites.
Thea Minyan Bjoerseth also had reason to be happy, as the Norwegian achieved her best World Cup result on the same hill two years previously with fifth place. The best Austrian was Jacqueline Seifriedsberger in sixth place. "I liked the trial jump and the second one, I didn't really get into it in the first round. But I'm very happy with the result, it makes me want more," she said after the jump. Together with Eva Pinkelnig, who finished in ninth place, Seifriedsberger will form the ÖSV duo for the super team.
The Canadian team also lined up on its own, with Abigail Strate also achieving a top ten finish in seventh place. France also had a jumper in the top ten with Josephine Pagnier in eighth place, while team colleague Emma Chervet achieved her best World Cup result in 27th place. Jenny Rautionaho, the best Finn, completed the top ten. Selina Freitag just missed out on the top ten by 0.5 points, but was nevertheless delighted with her best result of the season in twelfth place.
The same was also true for the two Malsiner sisters Lara (16th) and Jessica (19th), as well as the third Canadian Nicole Maurer in 26th place. With Lisa Eder, Julia Mühlbacher and Sara Marita Kramer, three other ÖSV jumpers were in 13th, 17th and 21st place.
