Liberec, Czech Republic  - Andreas Kuettel of Switzerland became surprise large hill ski-jumping world champion on Friday as Austria met disaster in a snow-marred competition held in one round.

Kuettel, 30, soared 133.5 metres for 141.3 points get the gold. Martin Schmitt of Germany came second with 133m for 140.9 points and Anders Jacobsen was third for Norway with 132.5m for 139.5 points.

The results came from the first round as officials tried in vain twice to stage the final round.

The first attempt was abandoned after 23 of 30 jumpers as heavy snowfall set in during the round, leading to unfair conditions. The round was restarted but the jury ended the competition for good after 16 jumpers as the conditions deteriorated even more.

Austria suffered most, with World Cup leader Gregor Schlierenzauer stranded in fourth place and normal hill world champion Wolfgang Loitzl finishing sixth.

Kuettel, by contrast, celebrated his biggest success after five World Cup competition wins earlier in his career. (dpa)