The Ski Flying world champion and Four Hills tournament winner finished narrowly adrift of the podium places yesterday, but produced an outstanding first round leap of 238.5 metres to move to the top at the halfway mark today.

Norway’s Kenneth Gangnes has been one of the Slovenian’s biggest rivals throughout the season and looked like threatening Prevc following an opening effort of 235.5m.

He was unable to achieve a similarly long second jump in the windy conditions, managing only 209.5m and dropping out o contention.

Prevc had no such problems, leaping 230m to finish the competition on 457.6 points and becoming the outright Slovenian record holder for World Cup wins, moving one clear of Primoz Peterka’s tally of 15.

Ten of his 16 triumphs have come this season and he now lies three behind Gregor Schlierenzauer’s record for a total season.

The Austrian managed 13 in 2008-2009.

"The jump in the trial round was not that good, but I was able focus in the competition and performed better then,” said Prevc.

“In the final there was a lot of waiting because of the wind, I knew I would need a better take-off.

“I hope I can perform on a high level again tomorrow.”

Norway’s Johann Andre Forfang finished runner-up after jumps of 229m and 222m gave him a tally of 439.4 points, with yesterday’s winner Robert Kranjec ensuring there would be a second Slovenian on the podium, scoring 429.5.

Gangnes finished in fourth on 428.2, while the reigning World Cup champion, Germany's Severin Freund, showed signs of getting back to form,following a series  of below par results.

He finished fifth with 425.2 points.

The World Cup competition in Vikersund is due to draw to a close tomorrow.

There was further success for Slovenian ski jumpers in the women's World Cup event in Ljubno, where Japan's Sara Takanashi saw her run victories draw to a close.

Takanashi had entered the competition with 10 consecutive triumphs, but would be forced to settle for second place after two 91.5m jumps saw her end on 263.2 points.

An inspired Maja Vtic was able to secure her first World Cup victory as two 91m jumps gave her a tally of 267.7.

She was joined on the podium by her team-mate Spela Rogelj, whose 258.7 points proved enough to take bronze.