Kudre had proved one of the stars of last year’s event, winning both the women’s sprint and middle-distance races last year, as well as finishing as the runner-up in the pursuit competition.

She was forced to battle to retain the sprint title on the opening day of competition in Kemi-Keminmaa, with the women’s field completing a 3,300 metres course at the Finnish venue.

Kudre finished in a winning time of 11min 36sec to clinch gold in the event, which featured 37 athletes.

Finland’s Salla Koskela and Sweden’s Anna Magdalena Olsson ended one second behind Kudre.

The two skiers shared second place, with two silver medals and no bronze being awarded.

The men’s event, featuring 55 athletes, also saw the top-two separated by one second.

Ville Petteri Saarela earned victory by completing the 3,900m event in a time of 11:47.

A Finnish one-two was completed by Tuomas Kotro in 11:48, with Sweden’s Rasmus Wickbom third in 11:50.

Norway’s Jørgen Baklid, who won bronze in the event last year, placed fourth at seven seconds behind the winner.

Pursuit competitions will take place tomorrow, before Baklid seeks to retain his middle-distance title on Friday (March 18).

The sprint relay will round off the competition on Saturday (March 19).