On Friday, following a flight of 138 meters, the Japanese was almost eight points ahead of Stefan Kraft (134 m) and not quite ten ahead of Clemens Aigner (134.5). The third best ÖSV man was Innsbruck winner Jan Hörl in eighth place. All ten Austrians who competed survived the qualification.
In the overall tour standings, tour specialist Kobayashi leads Andreas Wellinger by 4.8 points or the equivalent of exactly 2.67 meters before the final on Saturday. The German finished ninth in qualifying, over 18 points behind Kobayashi. While the Japanese is on the verge of his third triumph following 2018/19 and 2021/22 at the ski jump spectacle around the turn of the year, Wellinger, who is coached by Tyrolean Stefan Horngacher, is hoping for the first German tour victory since Sven Hannawald 22 years ago.
From a red-white-red perspective, following the triumph in Bergisel with Hörl as winner, Hayböck in third and five ÖSV Adler in the top nine, another day’s victory should be achieved. “It’s an Austrian ski jump. It’s definitely going to be a great final for us,” said Kraft, who believes Kobayashi is more likely to win the tournament. “Because he has less pressure and has already won the eagle twice at home. Wellinger also jumps very stable, but he will definitely be more nervous.” Kraft, who started as the top favorite, spoke of a very good tour, but things didn’t work out for the front runners in the ninth attempt in a row for those currently fourth overall.
From the national group, Daniel Huber (22nd), Marco Wörgötter (31st), Simon Steinberger (43rd) and David Haagen (47th) made it into the competition of the best 50 in a field of 59 starters. For team Olympic champions Huber will be making a small comeback in the World Cup following the Salzburg player was a little behind the world leaders in December. Huber, winner in Bischofshofen two years ago, has since had to undergo two operations on his knee (2022) and hip (March 2023).
Meanwhile, talent Stephan Embacher is not there in Bischofshofen. The 17-year-old Tyrolean, who is supported by World Cup record winner Gregor Schlierenzauer, impressed in his World Cup debut on Bergisel with 13th place. At the weekend, however, Embacher will be competing in the Continental Cup in Garmisch-Partenkirchen to look for the youngest Victory and second place in Engelberg to secure a quota place for the World Cup.
ÖSV head coach Widhölzl has a luxury problem waiting for him at the next World Cup. Since only five ÖSV Adler and another one with a quota place are allowed to compete in the Continental Cup this season, Widhölzl has to throw at least one strong jumper out of the squad at the next World Cup stops. Because there are currently seven Austrians in excellent form: Kraft, Hörl, Hayböck, Fettner, Tschofenig and Aigner as well as Embacher.
“I have to put one out and that’s never nice,” emphasized Widhölzl. “It’s a shame because I would like to have the starting position from last year. We’re in a fortunate position because we have so many good ones.” And Hayböck added: “It’s unfortunate that a place was taken. You’re not doing anything good for the sport. It’s quite a fight internally.”
