Marita Kramer of Austria topped the qualifying event at the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup event in Zao ©Getty Images

Marita Kramer of Austria topped qualifying at the International Ski Federation (FIS) Ski Jumping World Cup event in the Japanese resort of Zao.

The 18-year-old scored 103.8 points to lead the competition.

In second was Sara Takanashi with 100.4, delighting the home crowd.

The Japanese athlete is one of the most successful female ski jumpers to date, with four World Cup titles and seven previous triumphs in Zao. 

Japanese home favourite Sara Takanashi finished second in qualifying ©Getty Images
Japanese home favourite Sara Takanashi finished second in qualifying ©Getty Images

Sofia Tikhonova of Russia was third on 96.5.

Maren Lundby of Norway, world champion and last season's overall World Cup winner, finished seventh on 90.7.

Action continues tomorrow with a first jump on the HS102 hill, followed by a team event on Saturday (January 18). 

A second individual jump is then scheduled for Sunday (January 19), when competition concludes.