SKI JUMPING. The Japanese jumpers demonstrated their strength in the qualification for Saturday's competition at the FIS GP in Hakuba. Sho Suzuki clearly won with 120.5 points and a jump on 123 m ahead of veteran Noriaki Kasai (117.6 points), who can keep up with the world's best this summer. 40-year-old Kasai is 18 years older than Suzuki. Kento Sakuyama (116.0 points) came in third.

So the Japanese are definitely more than ready for their home events in this years FIS GP. Slovene Robert Hrgota had bad luck. He was in the leading position when he was disqualified because his suit was too big. He now has to wait until Sunday for a next chance.

54 athletes took part in the qualification hill where the Olympic ski jumping competitions of the Games in Nagano were held in 1998. And the elite of this summers FIS GP is competing in the Far East. Overall leader Andreas Wank of Germany skipped the qualification after two good training jumps.

Hilde and Ammann strong

Of the pre-qualified athletes Tom Hilde showed a convincing performance with 124.5 m and proved that he is still in a good shape. Simon Ammann jumped on the same distance and can hope for a victory in Japan. Also Reruhi Shimizu (124 m) is one of the top contestants.

Slight rain disturbed the qualification today. But worse than the rain is the extrem sultriness in Hakuba right now. The athletes were sweating under temperatures of about 35° C. And it shall get even warmer on Sunday - up to 40°C!

The competition on Saturday will take place at 11:00 am CET.

FISskijumping.com
24.08.2012 11:34

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