Maren Lundby of Norway is set to defend her title at the International Ski Federation Ski Jumping World Cup event in of Zao ©Getty Images

Maren Lundby of Norway is set to defend her title at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Jumping World Cup event in the Japanese resort of Zao.

The 25-year-old triumphed in the second race in Zao on her way to claiming the overall World Cup title last season. 

Her victory was part of a hugely successful season which also saw her named world champion in February. 

Lundby is returning to Zao to defend her title, while also trying to maintain her lead in the World Cup standings. 

She currently leads with 405 points, with Chiara Hoelzl of Austria her nearest opponent on 330. 

Another Austrian, Eva Pinkelnig, who claimed her first World Cup victory in Sapporo last week, is third on 309.

Daniela Iraschko-Stolz of Austria will be returning to compete in Zao after triumphing at the same venue last year ©Getty Images
Daniela Iraschko-Stolz of Austria will be returning to compete in Zao after triumphing at the same venue last year ©Getty Images

Last season's other winner at Zao was Daniela Iraschko-Stolz of Austria, who is also expected to compete. 

The home crowd will be cheering on Sara Takanashi, one of the most successful female ski jumpers to date, with four World Cup titles. 

Takanashi has previously triumphed in Zao seven times.

Action begins tomorrow with the qualifying round, before the first jump on the HS102 hill on Friday (January 17) and a team event is held on Saturday (January 18). 

A second individual jump is then scheduled for Sunday (January 19), when competition concludes.