LIBEREC, Czech Republic (AP) _ Austria's Thomas Morgenstern nailed two stellar jumps on the 120K hill at Jested Mountain Saturday to capture his first World Cup victory. The 16-year-old Austrian, in his first full season on the World cup circuit, leaped 131 and 129 meters for a total of 271.0 points. Fellow Austrian Andreas Widhoelzl placed second after jumps of 131 and 127.5 meters which gave him 268.3 points.

Jakub Janda finished third after leaping 128 and 131 meters and collecting 268.2 points, becoming the first Czech to reach the podium since 1994.

Overall World Cup leader Janne Ahonen, who won the prestigious Four Hills tour last week, managed only 125 meters in the first round and finished sixth. He leads the overall standings after 13 events with 722 points, 72 points ahead of Austria's Martin Hoellwarth. Widhoelzl is third with 580 points. Saturday's win lifted Morgenstern to 15th place overall with 197 points.

Bjoern Einar Romoeren, who won the last leg of the Four Hills tour and was tied for the lead with Morgenstern after the first round in Liberec, spoiled his second attempt,
leaping only 124 meters to finish seventh. 

AP, 11.01.2003

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