The 29-year-old Russian amassed 1,462 points to triumph by a margin of four over Hungary’s Róbert Kasza, who repeated his silver medal-winning performance from last year.

France’s Valentin Belaud won the bronze medal with 1,454 points.

Defending champion Jan Kuf of Czech Republic came seventh.

Rio 2016 silver medallist Pavlo Tymoshchenko of Ukraine finished way down in 25th place.

Hungary won the team event with Kasza, Bence Demeter and Adam Marosi totalling 4,327 points.

Lesun and Russian team-mates Kirill Belyakov and Alexander Savkin were the runners-up with 4,267 and France completed the top three as Belaud, Valentin Prades and Brice Loubet collated 4,227.

Action in Minsk is due to conclude tomorrow with the mixed relay.