German hopes dashed: Zajc reigns as Geiger falters in Oberstdorf's World Cup ski jump

The World Cup weekend on the giant jump in Oberstdorf commenced on Friday. The individual competitions transpired on Saturday, after which the host fans had not many reasons for celebration. None of the Germans managed to get embroiled in the fight for the podium, and the competition was seized by Timi Zajc. Peter Prevc claimed the second spot, and Stefan Kraft secured the third position.

In the top ten, there was only one player from Germany - sixth-placed Andreas Wellinger. This is a result significantly beneath both coach Stefan Horngacher's and German fans' expectations.

Their first disappointment on Saturday materialised in the qualifiers. Karl Geiger jumped only 161 metres (rounded) in them and found himself among the 11 competitors, who didn't earn a place in the competition. This is a major surprise as Geiger is one of the leading competitors in the overall World Cup standings.

The reaction of German fans to Geiger's stumble was detailed by Jakub Balcerski, a sports journalist from sport.pl, who was present at the ski jump.

Absolute silence in the stands immediately after Karl Geiger's jump. Then only consolatory applause. A disaster - he wrote on the X service.

Geiger will have a chance of redemption on Sunday. Another individual competition is scheduled in Oberstdorf. The qualifications are slated for 1:30 PM Greenwich Time and the competition will initiate at 3:00 PM Greenwich Time.