Zuk began the women’s 10 kilometre pursuit competition in 18th place and sought to chase down sprint champion Baiba Bendika of Latvia, who started 44 seconds ahead.

An immaculate performance at the four shooting sections put Zuk in contention for victory.

She seized the lead when Russia’s Larisa Kuklina faltered on the final shooting stage, where she received a penalty.

Zuk retained her advantage on the final lap of the event to claim gold in 29min 12.7sec.

Norway’s Karoline Erdal finished second, 13.4sec down, with team-mate Aasne Skrede a further three seconds back in third.

Kuklina's challenge faded in the closing stages as she finished two seconds shy of the final podium spot.

"It is amazing, it is hard to describe," Zuk said.

"I am so happy to win here in Duszniki because I feel like I’m home.

"It was my first time to shoot four times zero.

"I am really happy, I know that I did a perfect job today."

Artem Pryma of Ukraine won the men’s 12.5km pursuit competition, despite receiving a penalty in three of the four shooting sections.

Pryma’s skiing speed allowed him to remain clear of his nearest challengers to earn gold in 32:11.3.

He had overtaken Michal Krcmar in the closing stages, with the Czech Republic biathlete ending 6.6 off the pace in second.

Norway’s Haavard Gutuboe Bogetveit, who was 12.5 behind the winner, took bronze.

The European Championships are scheduled to conclude tomorrow with relay events - the single mixed relay and 4x6km mixed relay.

Competition is open to participants from outside Europe and the event is doubling as a stop on the second-tier IBU Cup circuit.