Kubacki storms to World Championship gold

The 28-year-old, who was part of the World Championship-winning Polish team on the large hill two years ago, took advantage of the deteriorating conditions to take the victory, despite sitting only 27th after the first round.

He then jumped 104.5 metres on his second and that was enough to secure gold, with compatriot Kamil Stoch second and Stefan Kraft of Austria third.

And Kubacki admitted the victory came as a huge surprise having managed only 85.3 metres on his first jump.

He said: "It was unbelievable. Usually after a first jump like that it is basically impossible to fight for the best places but today I did a really good second jump and it was enough to be world champion. I am really emotional now."

Stoch was 18th after the first jump, while Kraft tenth, as the leaders after the first jump found conditions difficult.

Ryoyu Kobayashi, victorious in all of the Four Hills events over Christmas, had led the field at the halfway stage, but like those around him, was way off on his second jump, finishing 14th overall.

Sportsbeat 2019