Robert Johansson topped qualification in Planica on his 27th birthday ©Getty Images

Norway's Robert Johansson marked his 27th birthday in fine style as he won the qualification round of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Jumping World Cup Final in Planica.

Johansson produced a leap of 233 metres in the flying hill event at the Slovenian resort.

It gave the Norwegian a total of 215.8 points for the competition, placing him at the top of the qualification standings.

Poland's Piotr Zyla scored 213.8 to end second on the leaderboard, with Markus Eisenbichler of Germany third on 212.2.

Eisenbichler had produced the furthest legal jump of the qualification by leaping 236m, but accrued less points due to having started at a higher gate.

A jump of 241.5m by Johann Andre Forfang did not count towards the standings, with the Norwegian suffering a disqualification.

Following his effort, the ski jumper was penalised at equipment control as his suit was deemed to have failed to meet competition rules.

The vast majority of pre-qualified athletes opted to skip taking part in qualification, but the crowd were treated to local jumpers Jurij Tepes and Peter Prevc testing themselves ahead of the main competition.

Andreas Wellinger was among the pre-qualified athletes to attempt jumps ©Getty Images
Andreas Wellinger was among the pre-qualified athletes to attempt jumps ©Getty Images

Tepes should fine form by producing a jump of 238m, with Prevc achieving 231m.

Germany’s Andreas Wellinger continued his fine form by jumping 240.5m, which will mark him out as one of the favourites to triumph in Slovenia.

The first men’s competition will take place tomorrow, with a team event scheduled for Saturday (March 25).

The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup season will conclude on Sunday (March 26).