Bischofshofen, Austria  - Austrian Wolfgang Loitzl soared to a stunning Four Hills ski-jumping triumph when he again left the pre-tournament favourites in his wake to clinch the title on Tuesday.

Loitzl had the 25,000-strong home crowd in Bischofshofen in raptures with huge jumps of 142.5 metres and 141.5 metres to complete a hat-trick of victories in the annual four-round event.

It sealed a commanding tournament victory for 28-year-old Loitlz who had not won a World Cup event in his career until winning the second round in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

He also gave Austria a first Four Hills crown since Andreas Widhoelzl won the 1999-00 edition.

"I am speechless... so much positive is happening at the moment - I am overwhelmed," said Loitzl who succeeds retired record winner Janne Ahonen of Finland as Four Hills champion.

"That it is so quick and easy, in inverted commas, is something I never expected."

Loitzl's victory left the two pre-event favourites, Simon Ammann of Switzerland and fellow Austrian Gregor Schlierenzauer, second and third overall.

World Cup leader Ammann, winner of the opening round, was second on the day with jumps of 137.5 metres and 140.5 metres for 284.4 points to Loitzl's commanding 301.2.

Third was Russia's Dimitry Vassiliev on 279.2 points (138 metres and 138.5 metres) with Schlierenzauer fourth and Germany's Martin Schmitt fifth.

Loitzl's victory followed his wins in Innsbruck and Garmisch-Partenkirchen and a second place in the series opener behind Ammann eight days ago in Oberstdorf, Germany.

He finished with a total of 1,123.7 points, with Ammann on 1,091.1, Schlierenzauer on 1,077.1, Schmitt on 1,055,2 and Vassiliev on 1,048.1.

Ammann continues to lead the World Cup standings, moving to 877 points, with Schlierenzauer on 740 and Loitzl on 739.

"My form is good but I was missing the extra class I needed for the tournament," Ammann said.

"That was annoying, but I can still be pleased with second place which is my best tournament result." (dpa)