Zakopane, Poland - Four Hills champion Wolfgang Loitzl led an Austrian one-tow finish from Gregor Schlierenzauer in a large hill World Cup ski-jumping event on Friday. Loitzl, 29, soared the longest distance in each round with 129.5 metres and 132m for a winning total of 272.7 points for his fourth career victory. He got his first three wins en route to the Four Hills title less than two weeks ago.
Last weekend's ski-flying double-header winner Schlierenzauer came second with 262.5 points from jumps of 127.5m and 130m. Martin Schmitt of Germany placed third with 121m and 129.5m for 249.4 points.
Simon Ammann of Switzerland placed sixth which was good enough to remain atop the World Cup standings with 1,062 points. But Schlierenzauer is now on his heels with 1,020 and Loitzl is also in contention with 901 points.
Another large hill event in Zakopane is scheduled for Saturday.
