"An amazing day!": Naito claims maiden World Cup victory

Another day, another first-time World Cup winner in Oslo (NOR). In a competition limited to a single round because of high winds, Japan’s Tomofumi Naito soared to not only his first podium, but first-ever win on the circuit. The 33-year-old landed 131.5m in his only jump of the day to top the standings on 128.7pts. His landmark victory came just 24 hours after Gregor Deschwanden (SUI) also won his first-ever World Cup in Oslo.

“It’s an amazing day,” said Naito, as he admitted the win was even more special to him than his part in Japan’s historic Team Ski Flying World title.

He wasn’t the only athlete to secure a career-best result, as Antti Aalto (FIN) stepped onto an individual World Cup podium for the first time, finishing third with a jump of 131m. Anze Lanisek (SLO) finished one point ahead of the Finn and just 0.1pts behind Naito to take second place with his effort of 127m.

“It wasn’t easy, we had a lot of wind, especially in the early part of the take-off,” reflected Lanisek.

“I got lucky at the bottom where it was basically backwind, but yes it wasn’t easy. I managed to make a good jump and that’s what mattered.”

For Aalto, his first individual podium is the second career-first in quick succession, following Finland’s Super Team third place in Lahti (FIN).

“Both results were really important to us as a benchmark after a long time, so both things are really good for me,” he said.

The third-place finisher from Saturday, Naoki Nakamura (JPN), ended in fourth, equalling Aalto’s 131m effort in distance if not in points. Kristoffer Eriksen Sundal (NOR) recorded the longest jump of the day with 134m. He finished seventh on 199.5pts

The wind in Oslo strengthened rapidly after the women’s event earlier in the afternoon, making for extremely challenging conditions. Only a few athletes were able to jump to their usual standards and it was the earlier starters who benefited.

Crystal Globe winner Domen Prevc (SLO) topped qualification with a score of 144.5, but had an extended wait to jump in the first round. His single effort of 127.5m earned him ninth place. It was an improved performance from Saturday, where he ended 42nd.

“We are on the right track but we need to stay there. Yesterday was quite a lesson and it didn’t sit well with me,” admitted Prevc.

With the likes of Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN - 32nd place), Daniel Tschofenig (AUT - 37th) and Saturday’s winner Deschwanden (38th) all feeling the brunt of the conditions, there were some career highlights results in the top ten.

Tate Frantz (USA) achieved his first tenth place a World Cup, while Isak Andreas Langmo (NOR) claimed his second top-10 finish of the season in eighth.