Kobayashi Dominates Qualifications at Bischofshofen in Four Hills Tournament

In a stunning display of skill, Japanese ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi clinched the top spot in the qualifications for the final stage of the Four Hills Tournament in Bischofshofen, Austria. The decisive event is scheduled for Saturday at 16:30.

Kobayashi soared to an impressive 138 meters, accumulating a remarkable 162.6 points, which secured him first place in the qualifiers. He outperformed prominent competitors, including Austria’s Stefan Kraft, who achieved a distance of 134 meters for 154.8 points, and fellow Austrian Clemens Aigner, who jumped 134.5 meters to earn 153 points.

Currently, Kobayashi leads the overall standings for the Four Hills Tournament ahead of Saturday's showdown. However, he needs to keep a close eye on Andreas Wellinger, who, despite finishing ninth in the qualifications, poses a serious threat as a contender. Notably, Jan Hoerl, who triumphed at Innsbruck, holds the third position in the rankings.

Meanwhile, French jumpers Valentin Foubert and Jules Chervet, who took part in the Innsbruck event, did not compete in Friday's qualifications in Bischofshofen and thus will miss out on Saturday’s competition.