Ryoyu Kobayashi completes Japanese double at Klingenthal Grand Prix finale

Ryoyu Kobayashi (JPN) took the final round of the men’s FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix in Klingenthal (GER), after compatriot Nozomi Maruyama claimed her first win to secure the women’s overall title.

Two-time overall World Cup champion Kobayashi produced a monster leap of 144.0m in the opening round, but lost style points thanks to a less-than-perfect landing. That was still enough for a lead of 3.8 points over series leader Philipp Raimund (GER).

Sakutaro Kobayashi (JPN), Raimund’s closest challenger in the overall standings, only just qualified for the final round in 28th place. Niklas Bachlinger (AUT), third in the series before the finale, was 10th after round one.

While Sakutaro Kobayashi and Bachlinger moved up the order in round two, eventually finishing 11th and ninth respectively, Raimund knew a safe jump would be enough to clinch the title. The home favourite did far better than that, jumping 136.0m to take the lead from Domen Prevc (SLO) with just the reigning Olympic normal hill champion to come.

Ryoyu Kobayashi may not have flown as far as on his first attempt, a full 10m to be exact, but a solid landing saw him earn the highest score of the day as he completed victory by 7.3 points.

“The ice track wasn't ideal due to the difficult weather conditions, but that was the same for everyone,” admitted Kobayashi afterwards. “I coped well and I'm happy with my victory and my form, especially as the winter season starts in four weeks and I'm ready.”

Prevc said, “This late date, so close to the start of winter, and the ice track in-run significantly increase the value of the results. It was important for me to jump well here in an international comparison to see where I stand. This fits very well into the final winter preparations.”

Ren Nikaido made it two Japanese in the top four, moving ahead of Halvor Egner Granerud (NOR) thanks to his second jump. Pius Paschke (GER) rounded out the top six.

Nozomi Maruyama clinched the women’s Grand Prix title in style with a dominant first victory in Klingenthal.

The Japanese, who had six podium finishes from eight Grand Prix competitions, finally scaled the top step in emphatic fashion. Needing only third place to secure the trophy, Maruyama led after round one thanks to a huge jump of 141.0m.

Nika Prevc, Maruyama’s only rival for the overall crown, was second after her effort of 136.5m. And Slovenia’s World Cup winner jumped 137.0m in round two to set the target. But the 27-year-old Nara native then went out to 140.0m to win by a massive 17.4 points, having been second on four occasions this season.

Yuki Ito ensured there would be two Japanese on the podium, with team-mate Sara Takanashi in fifth place behind Selina Freitag (GER).

"I am extremely happy with my jumps today and my victory,” said Maruyama. “I came second often enough this summer, and now I am delighted with my win and the Grand Prix title.

“I hope that when the World Cup begins, I will be able to build on my summer results in the same shape.”

Maruyama will seek to add to her two previous individual World Cup podium placings when the new season begins in Lillehammer (NOR).

Before that, the Grand Prix draws to a close on Sunday with the Mixed Team competition.