Katnikova, winner of the sprint event yesterday, clocked an overall 1min 39.398sec to clinch a historic victory at the Sanki Sliding Center.

The Russian finished 0.094sec ahead of Germany's Julia Taubitz, who sits second in the overall World Cup standings.

Victoria Demchenko, also of Russia, did enough for bronze after completing her two runs in 1:39.537.

Katnikova recorded the fastest opening run, stopping the clock at 49.755, and the second quickest second run to secure gold.

Taubitz, who also claimed silver in the sprint, was made to rue a tough opening run, where she clocked the fourth fastest time.

Germany's Toni Eggert and Sascha Benecken won the doubles event in a time of 1:39.384 to retain their title.

Eggert and Benecken earned their third World gold in the doubles discipline after ending 0.104 clear of sprint champions Aleksandr Denisev and Vladislav Antonov of Russia.

Tobias Wendl and Tobias Arlt added another medal to the German haul with bronze in 1:39.526.

"After our poor sprint on Friday, we were very relieved after the first run and happy that we got through it OK," said Eggert. 

"We could tell by the Russians who had started in front of us that we had set a really good time. 

"But we knew that was only half the battle and we needed to put in a repeat performance. 

"You can’t compare the three world titles as they were all won in different ways and in different conditions."

The World Championships conclude with the men's singles event and the team relay tomorrow.