Japanese teenage sensation Sara Takanashi won a record 14th World Cup event on Saturday as she gears up for a tilt at the gold medal in next month's Sochi Olympics.
(From L) 2nd-placed Carina Vogt of Germany, winner Sara Takanashi of Japan and 3rd-placed Irina Avvakumova of Russia pose for photos during the awards ceremony of the women's World Cup ski jumping event, in Sapporo, Japan, on January 11, 2014
It was the fifth victory of the season for the 17-year-old, who soared in Sapporo to collect a total of 254.5 points after jumps of 99.0m and 94.5m.
She was followed by Carina Vogt of Germany, with 240.7 points, and Irina Avvakumova of Russia, with 224.1 points.
Takanashi's latest victory puts her ahead of injured American rival Sarah Hendrickson, 19, who has 13 wins.
"I’m very happy that I could win here. All the supporters that came here to the hill in Sapporo also helped me a lot to achieve this victory," Takanashi said.
She said despite the record, she was always looking for ways to improve her technique.
Results:
1. Sara Takanashi (JPN) 254.5 pts (99.0 + 94.5 m), 2. Carina Vogt (GER) 240.7 (94.5 + 94.5 m), 3. Irina Avvakumova (RUS) 224.1 (90.5 + 89.5 m), 4. Yuki Ito (JPN) 219.6 (84.0 + 95.0 m), 5. Maja Vtic (SLO) 216.1 (89.5 + 90.0 m)
Overall standings (after six of 19 events)
1. Sara Takanashi (JPN) 560 pts., 2. Carina Vogt (GER) 386, 3. Irina Avvakumova (RUS) 375, 4. Daniela Iraschko-Stolz (AUT) 306, 5. Coline Mattel (FRA) 195