Stefan Kraft of Austria topped the qualifying round of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup event in Lahti ©Getty Images

Stefan Kraft of Austria topped the qualifying round at the men's International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Jumping World Cup event in Lahti.

The 26-year-old double world champion scored a total of 284.1 points to clinch first place in the qualifying session in the Finnish resort. 

He was followed by Karl Geiger of Germany on 279.1 and Daniel Andre Tande of Norway on 273.3.

Karl Geiger of Germany finished second in qualifying at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Lahti ©Getty Images
Karl Geiger of Germany finished second in qualifying at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Lahti ©Getty Images

Kraft is the current leader in the World Cup standings, and will be aiming to tighten his grip on the title when the individual final takes place on Sunday (March 1).

He is on 1,433 points, with Geiger his closest opponent on 1,315.

Competition continues tomorrow with the team event.