Ski jumper Križnar finishes on podium but loses overall lead

Tchaikovsky – Slovenian ski jumper Nika Križnar finished third in the women’s World Cup event in Russia’s Chaykovsky on Friday, but this was not enough for her to retain the overall lead in the competition. One event to go in the season, Križnar is trailing Sara Takanashi of Japan.

In the penultimate event in the women’s Ski Jumping World Cup, the 21-year-old Slovenian scored 223.4 points to finish behind the winner, Marita Kramer of Austria (258.1) and the second-placed Takanashi (234.8).

Ahead of the last event of the season, which will also be held at the Snezhinka hill in Chaykovsky on Sunday, the Japanese is 15 points ahead of Križnar in the overall standings.

“A stressful day is behind me. I was very nervous already ahead of the first series. I know that I need to calm down and jump the way I know I am capable of. I showed some very good jumps in practice. I know that I can!” Križnar told reporters.

She is nevertheless satisfied with the outcome and the podium finish. “I am able to make up for the 15 points and finish first,” the Slovenian said in reference to the final encounter with Takanashi.

Four other Slovenians scored points today that count for the Nations Cup, with Špela Rogelj (210.6 points) finishing 6th, Katra Komar (192.2) 17th, Bogataj (191.8) 19th and Ema Klinec (187.4) 22nd.

In the Nations Cup, Slovenia are second with 2,403 points, trailing Austria (2,430) and standing ahead of Norway (2,116), ahead of the last team event of the season on Saturday.

“If we want to battle for the win in the Nations Cup, we will need to act as a whole team,” head coach Zoran Zupančič said.

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