Lamy Chappuis leads from Finnish trio in Nordic combined

Czech Republic-mapLiberec, Czech Republic  - Jason Lamy Chappuis dominated ski-jumping in difficult conditions on Saturday en route to a possible first Nordic combined world championship title for France.

Lamy Chappuis soared 131 metres to lead from a trio of Finns, World Cup leader Anssi Koivuranta, Lauri Asikainen and Janne Ryynaenen, who all had 127m.

Due to the style points Lamy Chappuis was due to start the 10-kilometres cross-country pursuit at 1415 GMT 26 seconds ahead of Koivuranta, with Asikainen on 28 seconds and Ryynaenen on
36 seconds.

Of the other favourites, German Bjoern Kircheisen was well-positioned in seventh place 44 seconds behind Lamy Chappuis. Compatriot multiple world champion Ronny Ackermann trails by 1:38 minutes and two-time Liberec world champion Todd Lodwick of the US by 1:34 minutes.

France have one Olympic gold in Nordic combined skiing from Fabrice Guy in 1992, but no world title.

Jumping on Saturday was hampered by wind and snowfall which led to several delays. (dpa)