Sports & Competition
Tue, December 30, 2025
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Prevc Dominates Oberstdorf, Takes Early Lead in Four Hills Tournament
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 15:26 GMT by The Straits Times- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Slovenian Star Prevc Dominates Oberstdorf, Sets Tone for Four Hills Tournament
Slovenia’s Ziga Prevc delivered a stunning performance in Oberstdorf, Germany, claiming victory in the opening event of the 70th annual Four Hills Tournament. The win, achieved with a remarkable jump of 134.5 meters and a score of 136.2 points, signals a strong start for the Slovenian team and positions Prevc as an early favorite in this iconic ski jumping competition. The tournament, renowned for its challenging hills and intense atmosphere, is a highlight of the winter sports calendar, attracting top jumpers from around the globe.
Prevc’s triumph wasn't just about distance; it was a display of near-perfect execution. His jump showcased excellent form, stability in flight, and a smooth landing, earning him high scores for style alongside the impressive length. The victory marks a significant moment for Prevc, who has previously experienced both incredible highs and frustrating setbacks throughout his career. While he’s been a consistent contender on the World Cup circuit – boasting 62 podium finishes as of this writing (according to the linked FIS profile) - consistently winning major events like the Four Hills Tournament has proven elusive. This Oberstdorf win feels particularly significant, suggesting a renewed confidence and peak form.
The competition was fierce, with several other top jumpers vying for the lead. Norway’s Johann Andre Forfang secured second place with a jump of 132 meters (128.5 points), demonstrating his own considerable skill. Germany's Pius Paschke finished third with a jump of 129.5 meters and a score of 126.7, providing a boost for the home crowd. The German team will be hoping to capitalize on this momentum as the tournament progresses.
However, the day belonged to Prevc. His performance overshadowed a slightly disappointing showing from defending Four Hills Tournament champion, Ryoyu Kobayashi of Japan. Kobayashi, who had dominated the previous year’s competition and currently sits high in the overall World Cup standings (as detailed in the linked article), could only manage 10th place with a jump of 123 meters. This result raises questions about his current form and whether he can recapture the dominance that defined his previous success. The pressure of defending a title, coupled with the notoriously unpredictable nature of ski jumping, clearly impacted Kobayashi’s performance in Oberstdorf.
The Four Hills Tournament is unique in its prestige and difficulty. It comprises four events held at iconic venues: Oberstdorf (Germany), Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany), Innsbruck (Austria), and Bischofshofen (Austria). Each hill presents distinct challenges, demanding different techniques and strategies from the jumpers. Oberstdorf, known as Schattenbergschanze, is considered a more technical hill, requiring precise in-run control and a stable flight profile. Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s Bergisel jump is famous for its steep landing slope, while Innsbruck's Talentschansen offers a wider outrun. Bischofshofen, with the Paul Ausonier Schansensprung, is the largest of the four hills, demanding immense power and courage from the jumpers.
The tournament holds significant cultural importance in Germany, Austria, and surrounding countries. It’s more than just a ski jumping competition; it's a national event that draws massive crowds and generates considerable media attention. The atmosphere at each venue is electric, with fans passionately supporting their local heroes. This intense environment can be both exhilarating and daunting for the athletes.
Looking ahead to the remaining events in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on December 28th and Innsbruck on December 30th, Prevc will undoubtedly face stiff competition. Forfang and Paschke will be eager to challenge his lead, while Kobayashi will be determined to rebound from his Oberstdorf setback. The German team, fueled by the home crowd’s support, will also be looking to improve their overall standing.
The Four Hills Tournament is known for its unpredictability; a single mistake can derail an athlete's chances of victory. While Prevc has established himself as a frontrunner after Oberstdorf, the competition remains wide open. The next two events promise further drama and excitement as the jumpers battle it out for supremacy on these legendary hills. The final event in Bischofshofen will determine the overall champion, concluding this year's edition of one of winter sports’ most celebrated tournaments. Prevc’s early dominance sets a compelling narrative, but only time will tell if he can maintain his momentum and ultimately claim the coveted Four Hills Tournament title.
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Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/ski-jumping-slovenias-prevc-sets-pace-in-four-hills-with-oberstdorf-victory ]
