Stefan Kraft topped the standings in men's individual qualifying at the FIS Ski Flying World Championships in Norway ©Getty Images

Austria’s Stefan Kraft topped the standings in men’s individual qualifying at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Flying World Championships, held on the Vikersundbakken hill in Norway.

Kraft has a good record on the hill in Vikersund, and in 2017 he jumped a world record of 253.5 metres on it.

Kraft did not reach that length on this occasion, but his jump of 230.0, was enough for him to top the standings with 217.9 points.

Compatriot Michael Hayboeck was second with 210.5 points, after jumping 233.0m, the furthest of any of the 45 strong field.

Anže Lanišek of Slovenia was third on 207.3 points, after jumping 221.0m, with his compatriot Domen Prevc in fourth on 206.1 points, after managing a distance of 225.5m.

Olympic large hill champion Marius Lindvik of Norway was fifth with 204.6 points, after a jump of 228.0m.

In sixth place was Germany’s Karl Geiger, the defending individual champion, with 200.9 points following a jump of 221.5 metres.

The individual Ski Flying World Championship event is scheduled to take place tomorrow and on Saturday (March 12), with a team competition then due to take place on Sunday (March 13).

Ski flying is a non-Olympic ski jumping discipline, in which the FIS organises World Championships only for men.

It takes place on oversized hills, such as the Vikersundbakken, and allows greater distances to be achieved.