Wellinger went into the qualification stage with just one top 10 finish to his name so far during the current World Cup season, which came in Lillehammer on December 11. 

Unfazed by his recent form, the 28-year-old jumped an impressive 144.5 metres.

Added to his 55 points from the judges, Wellinger received a total score of 144.4 points which was enough to secure top spot.

Home favourite Manuel Fettner finished in second place with a score of 144.1, while Germany's Stephan Leyhe completed the top three with a combined total of 141.3.

Norwegian Daniel Andre Tande, winner of two consecutive Four Hills Tournament stages and leader of the overall standings, suffered a poor day as he finished way back in 39th place with a total of 97.1.

Polish duo Piotr Zyla and Maciej Kot finished in fourth and fifth respectively with total scores of 139.8 and 134.8 points.

Slovenia's Peter Prevc, the reigning World Cup and Four Hills Tournament champion, qualified in 10th place with a score of 131.2 points.

After the first three events at the German sites of Oberstdorf and Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Austrian venue of Innsbruck yesterday, Tande has accumulated 710.3 points.

The Norwegian also now sits atop the overall World Cup leaderboard on a total of 632 points with 17-year-old Domen Prevc of Slovenia surrendering his lead following three poor performances so far.

Poland's Kamil Stoch, currently third overall in the World Cup, lies in second in the Four Hills standings 1.7 points behind Tande on 708.6.

Stefan Kraft of Austria, winener of opening stage in Oberstdorf, completes the top three on 693.7 points.

The Four Hills Tournament is set to conclude tomorrow when action begins at 16:45 local time.