Ryoyu Kobayashi topped qualification on the ski flying hill ©Getty Images

Ryoyu Kobayashi was in predictably good form as he topped qualification at the final Ski Jumping World Cup leg of the season in Planica.

The Japanese jumper soared out to 248 metres on the ski flying hill which earned him a tally of 247.8 points.

It means Kobayashi has taken the lead in the Planica 7 standings - a mini tournament which will decide a winner based on qualification, two competitions and performance in a team event in Slovenia.

Kobayashi has already won the overall World Cup title this season, becoming the first non-European man to do so.

Along the way he also won the Four Hills Tournament, the Raw Air Tournament and the Willingen Five.

Markus Eisenbichler of Germany managed the same distance as Kobayashi today but was only awarded 245 points for second position.

Slovenia's Timi Zajc was third on his home hill, leaping 239m for 236 points.

Timi Zajc of Slovenia was third-best today on his home hill ©Getty Images
Timi Zajc of Slovenia was third-best today on his home hill ©Getty Images

Only the top 40 advanced through to the first individual competition which will be held tomorrow, before the team event on Saturday (March 23).

The top 30 jumpers will then contest the second individual World Cup on Sunday (March 24).

As well as the Planica 7, the Ski Flying World Cup title remains up for grabs with four events already held on the big hills so far this term.

With 100 points available for a victory, Kobayashi again leads the way on 227 points but Eisenbichler has 211 in second.

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Kamil Stoch of Poland has 207 points in third.