SAPPORO (Kyodo) Veteran ski jumper Noriaki Kasai nailed a pair of solid jumps to successfully defend his title at the STV Cup in Sapporo on Sunday.
The 38-year-old had the day's longest effort of 134.5 meters on the K-120 Okurayama hill to go top and followed up with a 131.5-meter leap to win the second-tier Continental Cup event for the fourth time with 278.8 points.
"I had victory in my sights on the second jump and nerves set in for the first time this season," said Kasai. "I was a bit late on the take-off and the moment I jumped I thought I was in a bit of trouble. I am pleased I retained the title."