Schlierenzauer widens lead in Grand Prix jumping

Austria’s Gregor Schlierenzauer won two FIS Grand Prix jumping competitions over the weekend to widen his lead after six of nine competitions in the summer series.
Austria’s Gregor Schlierenzauer won two FIS Grand Prix jumping competitions over the weekend to widen his lead after six of nine competitions in the summer series.
    Schlierenzauer won two competitions in a span of four hours Saturday in Zakopane, Poland. The first competition had been scheduled for Friday but was pushed back because of strong winds.
    “The situation was not easy after the first competition today, especially after the prize-giving ceremony. It was a challenge to concentrate for the second competition,” Schlierenzauer said. “But now I am extremely happy about the two wins today. The day gave me a lot of self-confidence for next competitions.”
    Germany’s Michael Uhrmann finished second in both competitions. Switzerland’s Simon Ammann was third in the first competition, while local Lukasz Rutkowski made the spectators happy when he finished in third place in the second competition.
    “I am absolutely happy today. This was the first time on the podium after my injury in Sapporo in 2007,” Uhrmann said. “I believe that I can be back in the top of the world. The only guy I cannot beat yet is Gregor Schlierenzauer as he is too strong in the moment.”
    Schlierenzauer leads compatriot Andreas Kofler by 155 points in the Grand Prix standings with three competitions remaining. Uhrmann’s big weekend propelled him into third place overall, 28 points behind Kofler.
    The Grand Prix continues Sept. 13-14 with two competitions in Hakuba, Japan.

Top 3 – First competition
1. Gregor Schlierenzauer  (AUT) 125/ 135 meters,  267.5 points
2. Michael Uhrmann (GER) 122 / 133 meters,  255.5 points
3. Simon Ammann (SUI) 122,5 / 131,5 meters,  253.7 points

Top 3 – Second competition
1. Gregor Schlierenzauer (AUT) 129.5 / 126 meters,  258.9 points
2. Michael Uhrmann (GER) 121.5 / 131 meters,  252.5 points
3. Lukasz Rutkowski (POL) 121.5 / 130 meters 251.2 points

2008 FIS Grand Prix overall standing after 6 of nine competitions:
1. Schlierenzauer Gregor AUT 470
2. Kofler Andreas AUT 315
3. Uhrmann Michael GER 287