In tricky conditions, Mäkäräinen powered round the 7.5 kilometres course in a time of of 19min 49.1sec, crossing the line 14.2 seconds ahead of nearest challenger, Germany's Laura Dahlmeier, while Belarusian current overall leader Darya Domracheva was third.

Veronika Vitkova of the Czech Republic narrowly missed out on a podium place as she finished fourth, and Italy's Dorothea Wierer was fifth.

The result maintains the Finn's chances of overhauling Domracheva at the top of the leaderboard ahead of the 10km pursuit tomorrow, before the campaign is rounded off with the mass start event on Sunday (March 22).

"There was much more wind in prone but in standing, the wind was okay but my legs were really shaky for the second time this season," she said.

"Still, I am happy to be back on the podium.

"My legs were really gone after the World Championships and the physiotherapist did a lot of work on them this week.

"Last night I finally felt like I could go today."

Finland's Kaisa Mäkäräinen ensured she remained in with a chance of securing the overall International Biathlon Union World Cup title with victory in Russia ©IBU



Germany's Dahlmeier began the race well and she cleaned prone alongside Mäkäräinen, eventually managing to install a 2.8 second advantage at the front of the field.

Domracheva, a triple Olympic gold medallist at Sochi 2014, had an early penalty which left her some way adrift of the leading pack.

Mäkäräinen missed her last shot of the final standing stage but still exited the penalty loop with some degree of control in the race, although her lead was just 1.7 seconds ahead of the chasing German.

But, on the final loop, the Finn found an extra gear and extended her advantage to over 10 seconds, which proved to be insurmountable as she held on for a deserved win.

The event in Russia continues tomorrow with the men's 12.5km pursuit race.

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