Maruyama’s skills and style secure another World Cup success

Japan’s Nozomi Maruyama added another victory to her breakout 2025/26 season with a dramatic comeback win over Slovenia’s world champion Nika Prevc at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Engelberg, Switzerland.

Prevc led qualifying and produced a stunning 139.5 m first jump to carry a 4.9‑point advantage into the final round over Maruyama, whose opening jump measured 131.7 m. In the second series, both athletes flew 134 m, but Maruyama’s higher style marks tipped the contest in her favor.

Final podium and points: - 1) Nozomi Maruyama (JPN) – 274.9 pts - 2) Nika Prevc (SLO) – 273.2 pts - 3) Anna Odine Strøm (NOR) – 267.0 pts

Germany’s Selina Freitag and Agnes Reisch finished fourth and fifth respectively after running close to the podium through the first round. Yuka Seto (JPN) was also in the mix for a career‑first top three before slipping one place in the final rankings.

The podium was especially meaningful for Strøm, who suffered a season‑ending knee injury on this hill in 2023. Maruyama, now a five‑time winner this winter, extends her overall World Cup lead to 154 points over Prevc, with Strøm third at +302.

Quotes: - Maruyama: “There was a five‑point gap after the first round so Nika put pressure on me, but the judging points in the second round made it a good day.” - Prevc: “I was nervous and made an unnecessary mistake on my telemark landing. Tomorrow is another chance for two nice jumps; the challenge is staying patient after take‑off.”

The field returns to Engelberg’s Gross Titlis Large Hill (HS140) on Sunday for another women’s World Cup, with men’s qualification and competitions also scheduled the same day. All times CET.