Japan’s Sara Takanashi topped normal hill qualification today ©Getty Images

Japan’s Sara Takanashi topped qualification in the women’s normal hill ski jumping event as the Nordic World Ski Championships opened today in Oberstdorf.

Takanashi achieved a distance of 103 metres with her qualification jump at the German venue, which saw her secure 142.6 points.

The Japanese star headed into the competition as the form athlete, following three wins from the last four World Cup events contested.

Austria’s Marita Kramer qualified in second place on 140.1, while Slovenia’s Ema Klinec rounded off the top three with 135.4.

Klinec led the Slovenian challenge, with compatriots Jerneja Brecl and World Cup leader Nika Križnar also placing in the top five.

Sara Takanashi will hope to claim the normal hill world title tomorrow ©Getty Images
Sara Takanashi will hope to claim the normal hill world title tomorrow ©Getty Images

The women’s normal hill final will take place tomorrow.

A team event will follow on Friday (February 26).

Cross-country competition at the World Championships also took place today, with lower-ranked athletes seeking to book their places in the finals of the women’s 5 kilometres and men’s 10km freestyle events.

Latvian Baiba Bendika won the women's race, with Mark Chanloung of Thailand fastest in the men's event.