Exceptional Prevc seals back-to-back victories in Zao to take overall World Cup lead

An exceptional second round helped Nika Prevc (SLO) claim victory at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Zao, Japan, for the second year in a row. Prevc also took the lead in the overall standings and has a seven-point advantage over Germany’s Katharina Schmid.

Two Nights Tour winner Prevc came from behind after trailing Thea Minyan Bjoerseth (NOR) after the first round.

Bjoerseth competed a strong first jump (traveling 91.5m for a total of 102.1 points) and took an early 3.6 point lead over Prevc, who scored 98.5 points.

Prevc saved her best for last, as an exceptional second jump (104.5m for a total of 121.6 points) helped her land a combined total of 220.1 to finish 2.6 points clear of Bjoerseth. Eva Pinkelnig (AUT) finished in third.

“I enjoyed it”, Prevc said afterward. “The only thing I could do better was the landings. But overall, I’m very happy. Especially with my second jump. I could finally relax and it was nice to regain the yellow bib."

It’s Prevc’s fifth victory of the season and the twelfth World Cup win of her career.

Prevc put the pressure on Bjoerseth

With her impressive second jump and the furthest distance of the day (104.5m), Prevc had put the pressure on Bjoerseth, who was the last one to compete.

Prevc clearly had set the bar too high for the Norwegian, whose second jump (115.4) was not enough to eventually beat Prevc in Zao.

With second place (217.5 points), Bjoerseth did achieve a career-best result, however. For Bjoerseth, it's her second podium finish in a row and her third of the season. "It was a good day for me in Zao", Bjoerseth said. "I made progress from yesterday's (qualification) jumps and I'm really satisfied with my result.

Eva Pinkelnig (AUT) finished in third with a total of 212.7 points. "It was not so easy with the wind today", Pinkelnig said. "Personally, i struggled a little mentally. I am especially thankful to all my team and everybody who helped me on the way so that I could perform on this high level today", the Austrian added.

Agnes Reisch (GER) finished in fourth with 207.2 for a career-best result.

Prevc, the 2023/24 Crystal Globe winner, has now moved to the top of the overall leaderboard after 12 of 28 events, as previous leader Katharina Schmid (GER) only finished 16th.

Schmid had a disappointing first jump (84.4 points) and fell further behind in the final round (88.9).

Prevc could increase her advantage even more with another individual competition coming up on Sunday.

Next up...

Competition in Zao (JPN) continues on Saturday with the Women’s Super Team competition. Another individual competition awaits the female ski jumpers on Sunday.

Friday's individual winner Prevc is looking to repeat her success from last year, when she helped Slovenia claim victory in the Super Team Event. "We're looking to make three super jumps, or actually six together with Ema. We will see where it brings us", Prevc said about Saturday's competition, where she will form a team with Ema Klinec.

While the women compete in Japan, the men take the hill in Oberstdorf, Germany, for their first Ski Flying World Cup weekend of the season. Individual events are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday.