Stefan Hula of Poland led after qualification ©Getty Images

Poland's Stefan Hula won the qualification competition for the men's individual International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Jumping World Cup competition on Oslo's iconic Holmenkollen course today, just hours after head coach Łukasz Kruczek announced he was standing-down at the end of the season.

Hula jumped an impressive 126.5m to score 122.8 points and lead the way after the opening round of one of the most prestigious events of the season.

Germany's Andreas Wellinger leapt 125m for second place, just 0.6 points ahead of third ranked Austrian Manuel Poppinger.

He managed a jump of 125.5m.

Jurij Tepes reached 125m for fourth, while Poland's Dawid Kubacki placed fifth with 124m.

Tom Hilde produced the best home performance, with his 122.5m jump good enough for seventh place.

Andreas Wellinger of Germany lies in second place after qualification ©Getty Images
Andreas Wellinger of Germany lies in second place after qualification ©Getty Images

If Hula can back up his effort today in the final on Sunday (February 7), it will mark the perfect send-off for coach Kruczek.

The 40-year-old, a four-time gold medallist at different editions of the Winter Universiade, became coach of the Polish team in 2008.

His most successful charge was Kamil Stoch, winner of two individual gold medals at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

Stoch finished in a disappointing 20th today, but still makes it through to the 40-man final.

Medals action will begin at Holmenkollen tomorrow with the team competition.