Shock in Klingenthal qualifying: Żyła leads Poles, Tomasiak struggles; Lindvik tops field

Poland’s day in ski jumping began on a down note after Continental Cup results in Ruka reduced their quota for the Four Hills Tournament to five starters. However, for Klingenthal and the next stop in Engelberg, the team still competes with six athletes based on previously earned spots.

In Saturday’s World Cup event, Domen Prevc won convincingly, while Kacper Tomasiak slipped from a podium fight to 18th on his second jump. Kamil Stoch finished 20th, with Maciej Kot 25th and Piotr Żyła 28th.

Qualifying on Sunday brought a full Polish contingent into the competition but also concerns. Paweł Wąsek, out of form and facing poor conditions, managed 116.5 m and squeezed through in 43rd. Moments later, Maciej Kot safely advanced with 124.5 m for 26th. Dawid Kubacki jumped 118.5 m to place 39th, offering little optimism for a big result.

Piotr Żyła delivered the top Polish performance, flying 135 m to 12th and, at least for the moment, leading the team. Kamil Stoch posted 128.5 m with a shaky landing for 33rd.

The biggest worry was 18‑year‑old Tomasiak. Expected to jump three times on the day, he opened with only 112 m and placed 47th after waiting on the bar, likely hitting unfavorable conditions. He still qualified, meaning all six Poles will start the competition, but his form raised alarms.

At the top, Marius Lindvik sprung a surprise by winning qualifying with a massive 142.5 m, edging overall World Cup leader Domen Prevc, who jumped 137 m, and fellow Norwegian Halvor Egner Granerud (139 m). Prevc, dominant so far this weekend, was "dethroned" for the single judged round of qualifying, setting up heightened intrigue for the afternoon competition.

The first round is scheduled to start at 16:00 local time.

Polish results in qualifying: - 12. Piotr Żyła — 135.0 m - 26. Maciej Kot — 124.5 m - 33. Kamil Stoch — 128.5 m - 39. Dawid Kubacki — 118.5 m - 43. Paweł Wąsek — 116.5 m - 47. Kacper Tomasiak — 112.0 m