A jump 141.5 metres helped Wellinger earn a score of 135.9 points, putting him ahead of defending World Cup champion Peter Prevc of Slovenia in dramatic fashion as he was the last to go off the hill.

Prevc, who has not lived up to expectations so far this season, jumped 140m to earn 133.3.

His brother Cene qualified in third place after scoring 129.1 for his effort of 139m while another Slovenian, Jurij Tepes, jumped 135m to score 127.2.

Kamil Stoch of Poland heads into tomorrow’s first competition of the weekend on top of the overall World Cup standings after four consecutive wins.

In training, he showed what fine form he is in, leaping 145m, the biggest jump of the day.

Action in the Women’s World Cup was cancelled today as only 41 athletes have entered the leg in Rasnov, Romania, meaning qualification was not needed.

A training run was held instead before tomorrow’s competition.

Both the men and women will also take to the hills on Sunday (January 29) as well.