Falling behind

Austria's Olympic silver medalist Andreas Kofler out-jumped the competition on the opening day of the Four Hills Tournament, racking up 265.2 points.

The German team had hoped for a strong showing in Oberstdorf. But on a day marked by steady rain, Germany's Pascal Bodmer came in a disappointing 12th. Martin Schmitt, also a potential medal contender, placed 23rd.

"It's true that my jumps weren't so bad. But it's only possible to be really happy when one wins," Bodmer said.

The 19 year-old is seen as an up-and-comer on the German team. It's his second Four Hills Tournament. Bodmer jumped 118.5 meters and 122 meters on Tuesday.

Austrians make strong showing

That was not good enough to catch Kofler. The Austrian jumped 125 and 134 meters respectively, notching up 265.2 points.

The Finn Janne Ahonen, who has won the competition five times, came in second with jumps of 116.5 meters and 137 meters (253.3 points). His form suggests he could stand a chance of winning a gold medal at the Vancouver games in February.

Thomas Morgenstern of Austria came in third with jumps of 124.5 and 126.5 meters (250.3 points).

Three rounds still to go

The prestigious Four Hills Tournament brings together the world's best ski jumpers, who compete at four sites in Germany and Austria. The skiier with the best combined score at the end of the week is the winner.

After Oberstdorf, the Four Hills Tournament moves on to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and then to the Austrian resorts of Innsbruck and Bischofshofen.

th/dpa/AFP

Editor: Susan Houlton