Babikov, the IBU’s Rookie of the Year for the 2015-2016 season, amassed one penalty on his way to crossing the line in 31min 22.3sec.

The Russian led home a one-two from his country as team-mate Maxim Tsvetkov finished second, 10.5 seconds adrift.

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Fourcade was aiming to wrap up a hat-trick of victories at the season-opening World Cup event but faltered on the shooting range, recording four penalties before coming home 15.2 seconds slower than Babikov.

The Frenchman began the event with a 42-second advantage, but the chasing Russian duo quickly cut the deficit to six seconds.

Fourcade then made two errors in the final standing stage, allowing Babikov and Tsvetkov to take the advantage and the two Russians battled it out for the gold medal.

Babkiov proved too quick for his compatriot and powered towards the line, with Fourcade having to settle for third.

"From the very beginning, I knew that everything could be possible," said Babikov.

“We were going very close.

"Before going to Östersund, I was a little worried, it’s always curious to see how well you are prepared for the season."

Fourcade, the 10-time world champion, still holds the overall lead on 168 points, with Tsvetkov second on 104.

Germany’s Arnd Peifer sits third on 100.

Double Olympic silver medallist Gabriela Koukalová of Czech Republic claimed her first win of the new season as she triumphed in the women’s 7.5km pursuit race.

The 27-year-old, a mixed relay world champion in 2015, clocked 31:43.3 to finish ahead of Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier.

The German pushed Koukalová all the way but eventually fell short by 8.4 seconds, while Italy’s Dorothea Wierer took the bronze medal.

The win moved the Czech into second place on the World Cup leaderboard on 132 points, 25 behind Dahlmeier.

Marie Dorin Habert of France occupies third on 118 points.

The next IBU World Cup event is scheduled to take place in Pokljuka in Slovenia from December 9 to 11.