Natalja Iljina and her partner Natalia Korosteleva dominated the women's team sprint free event as they finished over 12 seconds clear of their nearest rivals.

The Russian duo crossed the line in a time of 22min 11.36sec.

Following behind in second place were Switzerland's Alina Meier and Fabiana Wieser in 22:23.98 while the Italian pair of Ponte Chiara De Zolt and Francesca Baudin rounded out the podium in 22:33.41.

There was further Russian dominance in the men's team sprint free competition as Artem Maltsev and partner Nikolay Morilov squeezed into first place in a time of 20:36.70.

They finished a mere 0.10sec quicker than France's Clement Arnault and Paul Goalabre, who took second in 20:36.80.

Finland's Kusti Kittilae and Juho Mikkonen completed the medal positions with a time of 20:37.02.

Italy's Irene Curtoni took gold in the women's slalom alpine skiing competition today in an overall time of 1:38.51 from two runs.

Following closely behind was Belarus' Maria Shkanova in 1:38.93 while Laurie Mougel of France rounded out the podium in 1:38.97.

Russian dominance was quickly restored in the ski orienteering sprint races.

Eduard Khrennikov prevailed for the hosts in the men's event.

He won in a time of 17:15 while he was joined on the podium by compatriot Vladimir Ignatov, who took bronze in 19:29.

Belarus' Stanimir Belomazhev was sandwiched in between the two Russians in silver medal position in 17:57.

Tatiana Oborina then led a sensational Russian clean sweep of the podium in the women's race as she claimed top spot in 17:54.

She was joined on the podium by compatriots Mariia Kechkina and Anastasia Kravchenko, who took and second third in 18:11 and 18:55 respectively.