Nika Prevc consolidates World Cup challenge with success in Japan to claim fifth World Cup win this season

BySportsbeat

Published 19/01/2024 at 16:44 GMT

Nika Prevc has now won five World Cup events this season after her victory in Zao. The Slovenian managed to overcome the home favourite Yuki Ito, finishing 12.1 points above the Japanese ski jumper. Ito came second, while the podium was completed by Canada's Alexandria Loutitt. Prevc cemented her position at the top of the World Cup standings following this victory, and now has 673 points.

YAMAGATA, JAPAN - JANUARY 19: Nika Prevc of Slovenia competes during the Women's Individual Normal Hill of the FIS Ski Jumping Zao at Aliontek Zao Schanze on January 19, 2024 in Yamagata, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

Nika Prevc took victory in convincing fashion in Zao to cement her challenge for the Ski Jumping World Cup title.

The Slovenian took her fifth World Cup win of the season after getting the better of home favourite Yuki Ito, of Japan.

Prevc opened up a handy lead with a leap of 98.5 metres on her first jump, notching 122.8 points to sit 11.5 points clear of Canada's Alexandria Loutitt, who eventually took bronze.

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She followed that up with a jump of 96 metres second time around with her score of 112.4 points only bettered by Ito, whose effort of 101.5 metres was enough to vault into second in the competition.

Ito was still 12.1 points behind Prevc though, who clearly relished this first victory on Japanese snow.

She said: "I always find the trips to Japan very interesting. I particularly enjoy jumping here because you can tell how much effort people make here."

Prevc extended her lead at the top of the overall World Cup standings, with 673 points, 89 points clear of Ito, with Josephine Pagnier still third.

Competition continues with a women's super team event on Saturday before another normal hill competition on Sunday.

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