January 19, 2013 (Sapporo, Japan) – Mark today as an important one in the fortunes of U.S.A. ski jumper Peter Frenette, as he scored World Cup points to place 25th in a top-notch World Cup field today in this city that hosted the 192 Olympic Winter Games. Frenette of Saranac Lake, NY had a pair of jumps of 118.5 meters to take his best finish this season on the international level.

Peter Frenette © Peter Graves

Taking his first-ever World Cup win was Jan Matura (Czech Republic), who at 32, has labored long and hard for this moment, his previous best was a 4th here in Sapporo in the 2011 season. Matura, a native of Liberac, jumped 132 and 135 meters to take this satisfying moment. “It’s a dream come true. I always wanted to win a World Cup, it happened today and I am really happy”, he told the FIS.

Norwegian Tom Hilde took second with leaps of 136 and 139 meters, while third place went to Robert Kranjec (SLO), who jumped to 137 and 130.5 meters. The top athlete from Japan was Daiki Ito, who was sixth on the Okurayama Jump.

Neither of Austria’s top stars, Thomas Morgenstern or Gregor Schlierenzauer traveled to the tournament here, getting ready at home for ski flying next week in Vikersund, Norway. Wolfgang Loitzel was their top man finishing 18th. Schlierenzauer remains the overall FIS World Cup leader with 840 points.

It was a really positive day for 2010 U.S.A. Olympian Frenette said coach Clint Jones in an interview….”Pete has shown some solid and consistent jumps so far this weekend. His first jump wasn’t his best, but it was enough to make it into the second round. His second jump was a little better and it moved him up to a solid 25th place, his best result of the winter. Spirits are high with this result, the potential is there.”

American Anders Johnson (Park City, UT) finished 41st with a jump of 109.5 meters. The competition continues Sunday…

Full results HERE.