Ski-jumping season kicks off without Stoch

Czech ski jumper Roman Koudelka reacts during the Men's individual competition at the Ski Jumping World Cup season opener in Klingenthal, Germany, 23 November 2014. Photo: PAP/EPA/ARNO BURGI

After coming in fourth after the first round, Koudelka managed to jump 139.5 metres, which brought him his first-ever championship win in his career.

Piotr Zyla, the best Pole in the competition, came in 14th, jumping 130 metres in his second jump to advance five spots in the rankings.

Maciej Kot came in 29th, jumping 127.5 and 122 metres, and was the only other Pole to make it past the qualifying first jump, leaving behind Dawid Kubacki, Jan Ziobro, Stefan Hula and Bartlomiej Klusek.

Stoch, who won two gold medals at the Sochi Winter Olympics earlier this year, had to resign from the competition due to a sustained ankle injury.

“Kamil is to undergo extensive examinations on Monday after which we’ll know more about his state,” Polish ski-jumping team trainer Lukasz Kruczek told the TVP broadcaster.

“It doesn’t look bad, but [the injury] discounts any good jumps, and even though Stoch underwent physio on Sunday morning, we decided […] that he won’t compete,” he continued.

The next competition in the ski-jumping world cup is billed for Friday and Saturday in Kuusamo, Finland. (jb)

Source: PAP