WC in Willingen: Japanese take the whole podium

05.02.2023 - WC Willingen podium

Yuki Ito won Sunday’s World Cup competition at the Muehlenkopfschanze (HS147) in Willingen. The Japanese triumphed with jumps of 137 m and 135.5 m. The second place went to Nozomi Maruyama, and the third was Sara Takanashi. Jenny Rautionaho had a dangerous fall on the landing zone, leaving the hill on a stretcher.

Yuki Ito was in the lead after the first round. The Japanese landed at 137 meters and was 6.3 points ahead of Sara Takanashi (137.5 m). Canadian Abigail Strate (134.5 m) was third, ahead of Nozomi Maruyama (133 m), Katharina Altahus (125 m) and Chiara Kreuzer (130 m).

Jenny Rautionaho (128.5 m) had a dangerous-looking fall shortly after landing. The athlete from Finland left the Muehlenkopfschanze on a stretcher. Maren Lundby (116 m) did not land her attempt, and Katra Komar fell over on the slope.

In the final, Yuki Ito achieved a result of 135.5 meters and could celebrate the sixth in her career, and the first in nearly six years, victory in the World Cup competition. The Japanese defeated her teammate Nozomi Maruyama (136.5 m) by 4.3 points. The Asian podium was completed by Sara Takanashi (133 m), who finished in the top three for the 115th time in her career.

Eva Pinkelnig (1,142 points) leads the FIS World Cup overall standings, but her advantage over Katharina Althaus (1,003 points) has narrowed to 139 points. Third place goes to Anna Odine Stroem (815 points).

The next World Cup competitions will be held next week, on February 10-11 in Hinzenbach (HS90), Austria.

Competition results >>