Ammann defies the wind for ski-jump World Cup win

Dec 6, 2009, 14:20 GMT

Lillehammer, Norway - Simon Ammann of Switzerland got his first ski-jumping World Cup win in almost a year when he defied difficult wind conditions in Norway on Sunday.

Ammann beat Finland's Harri Olli for victory after Austrian World Cup holder Gregor Schlierenzauer failed to stand a huge jump in the first round.

Ammann, 28, soared 146 metres and 129.5 metres for a winning total of 277.1 points, his ninth career victory and first since December 29, 2008.

Olli was a distant second with 267.6 points (142m, 126m) and Emmanuel Chedal of France got his first career podium with 265 points (138.5m and 127.5m).

The Austrian Schlierenzauer came fourth after failing to stand the big leap of 150.5m in the first round in constantly changing wind conditions which led to several interruptions.

But his placing was good enough to take the World Cup lead with 162 points from three events. Ammann has 144 and German Pascal Bodmer 143 points.

   Next weekend's races in Harrachov have been scrapped due to lack of snow but Czech organizers have proposed one event December 16 or 17, with a decision to be reached by Wednesday. The next scheduled events are December 19-20 in Engelberg, Switzerland.