OBERSTDORF, Germany (AP) — Double Olympic champion Simon Ammann of Switzerland won Sunday’s first stage of the Four Hills Tour, the most prestigious ski jump competition ahead of the Sochi Games.
Ammann soared 139 meters in the first round and protected his lead with an effort of 133 in the second. That gave him a winning total of 301.9 points.
Anders Bardal of Norway put together jumps of 133 and 133.5 meters and vaulted from fifth into second with 297.9 points.
Peter Pevc of Slovenia and Thomas Diethart of Austria shared third place at 297.3 points.
Pevc jumped 139.5 meters and then 134 in the second. Diethart had efforts of 139 and 134.5 meters.
Defending tour champion Gregor Schlierenzauer of Austria was ninth and World Cup leader Kamil Stoch of Poland 13th.
