Kobayashi wins 14th Ski Jump World Cup title at Klingenthal

KLINGENTHAL, Germany - Japan's Ryoyu Kobayashi claimed his 14th title at the FIS Ski Jump World Cup on Sunday, finishing ahead of Austria's Stefan Kraft and Marius Lindvik of Norway.

"I was able to make two very good jumps and of course I'm very happy about the win today. I would love to win the 4 Hills Tournament again this year, but I only focus on my jumps, not on results," said Kobayashi.

The 23-year-old Japanese jumper now leads the overall World Cup standings with 290 points, ahead of Kraft on 276 points. Norway's Daniel Andre Tande sits third with 273 points.

"I 'm absolutely satisfied with the result," said Kraft afterwards. "Ryoyu Kobayashi was extremely strong. He showed what he is capable of today and it was a well-deserved win. I'm looking forward to Engelberg. I like this hill and I could start jumping there right away."

21-year-old Lindvik's third place was the first World Cup podium of his career. "Finally I made it," the Norwegian said. "My jumps were really good today. I'm training very well during the summer and that is paying off now."

The Norwegian team also had to deal with a serious crash for Thomas Aasen Markeng who was taken to hospital after landing awkwardly in the second round.

The World Cup continues next weekend with two individual competitions in Engelberg, Switzerland. The 4 Hills Tournament opens with qualification in Oberstdorf, Germany on December 28th.