Ski Jumping

WILLINGEN - Former world number one Martin Schmitt helped propel Germany to victory in Sunday's World Cup team ski jump event at Willingen, the final event before the Olympics, which start in Vancouver next week.

The Germans delighted the home fans as they scored 965.5 points, seeing off Norway (959.6) and Austria (937.1) for a first team success since 2005.

Schmitt had taken three weeks off after a disappointing Four Hills tournament, where he finished 22nd.

The Austrians would normally have expected to fare better, but left out favourites Gregor Schlierenzauer and Andreas Kofler in order to give them time to hone their Olympic preparations.