COC-L: Russians dominate in Notodden

This winter's first two competitions in the Ladies Continental Cup are held this weekend in Notodden, Norway. The first event there on Friday evening was dominated by the young athletes of Russia.

16-year-old Lidiia Iakovleva from St. Peterburg claimed her first ever win in the COC with jumps of 92.5 m and 90.5 m and a total of 231.0 points. "I would like to thank the organizers. It was a hard job and I'm happy that I could win", said Lidiia Iakovleva.

The second place went to Mariia Iakovleva, who jumped on 93 m and 91.5 m on the HS 100 hill and scored 226.5 points. "This was my fourth competition here in Notodden and my results are getting better and better. I really like the hill and I'm happy for my team, my coach and my sister", said the second-placed.

Only 1.5 points behind Mariia Iakovleva, Anna Shpyneva finished third with 92 m and 88.5 m and 224.0 points and she was also very satisfied with this competition: "It's my first time here in Notodden and I'm happy about the result. I would like to say thank you to my parents, the coaches and the organizers."

Aleksandra Barantceva came in fourth and completed the outstanding result of the Russian team. Two Austrians were the ones who could keep up with the best today. Lisa Eder tied for fourth with Barantceva, Marita Kramer finished sixth.

17-year-old Joanna Kil of Poland showed a convincing performance in her first appearance in the Continental Cup and was seventh. For Guylim Park it was also a very good season opener. The athlete of South Korea was eighth and achieved her first Top 10 finish of her career.

Valentina Sderzhikova of Kazakhstan and Poland's Magdalena Palasz tied for ninth and completed the Top 10 in the first Ladies COC competition of the 2017/18 winter season.

The second competition in Notodden will take place on Saturday at 11:45 am CET.