For 53-year-old Noriaki Kasai, it was only enough for 55th place in the preliminary round at his home event. Philipp Raimund finished seventh upon his return.
Japan’s ski jumping icon Noriaki Kasai will have to wait for his next age record in the World Cup for now. The 53-year-old finished only 55th out of 66 classified starters in Friday’s qualification in Sapporo, thus missing out on entering Saturday’s competition for the top 50 (07:15 AM).
Kasai, who made his World Cup debut 37 years ago at the same venue, last competed in the top league of ski jumping in early 2025, also in Sapporo. The 1992 Ski Flying World Champion has another chance in Sunday’s qualification for the second jump.
Raimund Becomes Best German
Philipp Raimund, who had recently been absent due to illness, was the best German in seventh place, with Japan’s top star Ryoyu Kobayashi winning the qualification. Karl Geiger, who is fighting for the Olympic norm in Sapporo (once Top 8 or twice Top 15), did not get past 29th place.
Luca Roth, winner of the Continental Cup in Sapporo on Wednesday, qualified in 39th place, while Ben Bayer (52nd) was eliminated. Felix Hoffmann, sixth in the tour, had foregone the trip to Japan due to knee irritation.