Malysz ends streak with tumble in Japan; Schmitt regains leadership

Adam Malysz's spectacular run of five consecutive victories in the ski-jumping World Cup ended yesterday after a fall on landing only allowed him to come eighth in a competition held in Hakuba, Japan. Malysz made the second longest jump of the first round but after landing, his skis became entangled, causing him to tumble to the ground. The judges had to deduct several points for style, and as a result Malysz sank to 20th place after the first round. However, in the second round he made another great leap, this time landing squarely on his feet, which allowed him to move up to 8th in the final rankings. Martin Schmitt of Germany jumped the furthest in both rounds, giving him a comfortable victory, as a result of which he moved up ahead of Malysz in World Cup standings. The next event is scheduled for this Saturday, also taking place in Japan. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p.1) T.J.