Japan's Akito Watabe will look to move closer to claiming the World Cup title ©Getty Images

Japan’s Akito Watabe will hope to strengthen his grip on the International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic Combined World Cup title with back-to-back competitions taking place in Trondheim.

Watabe will head to the Norwegian city in good spirits having triumphed in the country’s capital Oslo on Saturday (March 10). 

The result saw the Pyeongchang 2018 silver medallist move further clear at the top of the World Cup standings.

He lies on a total of 1,050 points, with Norway’s Jan Schmid 101 behind in second place in the standings.

Germany’s Johannes Rydzek and Fabian Rießle are locked in a battle for Norway’s Jørgen Graabak for third place.

The trio currently have 632, 631 and 603 points respectively.

Norway's Jan Schmid currently lies second in the World Cup standings ©Getty Images
Norway's Jan Schmid currently lies second in the World Cup standings ©Getty Images

The first World Cup event is due to take place in Trondheim tomorrow, with a repeat following immediately on Wednesday (March 14).

Germany’s Eric Frenzel won both events last year on his way to the World Cup title.

Competition is being combined with the FIS Youth Cup for the next four days, with a joint prize giving scheduled to take place.

The World Cup circuit is then due to travel to Germany, first to Klingenthal for competitions on March 17 and 18.

Action is then scheduled to conclude in Schonach on March 24 and 25.