Kuzmina wins first pursuit title since 2014 in Hochfilzen

Slovakian Kuzmina won in a time of 34:31.2 and there was a real battle behind her for second place as Finland's Kaisa Makarainen eventually saw off Darya Domracheva of Belarus in the final metres.

Italy's Dorothea Wierer finished fourth with two penalties, 51.6 seconds back, while Norway's Marte Olsbu and Ukraine's Juliya Dzhyma, each with one penalty, were fifth and sixth, 58.2 seconds and 1:08 back respectively.

"It is always great to be on the podium and especially in first position,” said Kuzmina.

"After yesterday, I thought I had a chance, but it was not easy for me, especially on the shooting range; I could not catch my breath. I just tried to stay positive. I took a long time on the last shooting, but finally it was good."

For Makarainen in second it was her first podium of the season, and she was delighted with the result.

She said: "It was an exciting race from the start. I was quite relaxed. I had really good skis and that was why I was able to catch Darya.

"Today I shot better and that is also why I made it to the podium."

Sportsbeat 2017