Sara Takanashi got off to a fine start in the new World Cup season on Friday, claiming a comprehensive win in the opener, followed in second by compatriot Yuki Ito.
Seeking her fourth overall World Cup title this term, reigning champion Takanashi, 20, posted a total of 271.3 points on the K-90 hill, some way ahead of Ito's 251.4. Germany's Anna Rupprecht, who had 243.8 points, placed third, soaring 95 meters and the day's longest 99.5 meters with her second that fell just short of the 100-meter hill size.
"Winning the opener boosted my confidence," Takanashi said.