Bø picked up one prone shooting penalty in the 10 kilometres sprint race at the Südtirol Arena, but eased to victory in 22min 44.1sec.

The 29-year-old won four gold medals at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics including in the sprint discipline, and his latest success in the Italian resort was his 62^nd IBU World Cup victory and 10^th this season.

"It is the best feeling, before and after the race," Bø said.

"During the race, I promise you, it is really tough.

"Your legs are burning, your brain is empty of energy from the start to the finish.

"It is rough here in Antholz."

Sweden's Martin Ponsiluoma recovered from a prone penalty to secure his first podium finish since victory in the first event of the season in Kontiolahti back in November.

Ponsiluoma finished 31.4sec behind Bø in 23:15.5.

Third place went to Norway's Sturla Holm Lægreid, who shot clean on his way to finishing in 23:21.4.

Fourth-placed Roman Rees of Germany was comfortably off the pace of the top three with his time of 23:40.8.

Bø continues to hold a comfortable lead in the overall standings, followed by compatriots Lægreid and Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen on 845 and 548 respectively.

Christiansen ranked fifth in Antholz-Anterselva with a time of 23:41.1.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow in Antholz-Anterselva with women's 10km and men's 12.5km pursuit races.