The Slovenian has looked a shadow of the man who lifted the Crystal Globe last year, with a highest individual finish of third the best he has mustered during 2016-17, which Prevc achieved in the opening contest of the season in Ruka, Finland.

But in Oberstdorf, the 24-year-old jumped 221.5 metres to top the standings with 203.7 points and book his way into the weekend’s competition.

Russia’s Dimitry Vassiliev was second after scoring 196.6 thanks to a jump of 215m, while Robert Johansson of Norway was third with a total of 190.9 with his leap of 213.5m.

The first of two competitions on the hill takes place tomorrow before a second takes place on Sunday (February 5).

Action on the women’s side of the World Cup in Hinzenbach, Austria, was cancelled for the day as there were not enough athletes for qualification.

Instead, training jumps were held before this weekend’s two competitions.

Chiara Hoelzl managed the longest jump of the day with 90.5m.