Italy's Michela Carrara initially appeared to be the winner of the women's 15 kilometres race at the Roland Arena, but had her score adjusted from one to three misses by the jury because of a cross-fire situation.

Spark was one of only four athletes who shot clean, and crossed the finish line in 45min 2.4sec.

"It is a perfect day for me with a gold medal and 20/20," she said.

"At first I was second and after the revision on some happenings I am winner."

Ukraine's Yulia Dzhima recovered from missing the first standing stage to take silver in 45:07.9, and Selina Grotian doubled the German presence on the podium with a time of 45:35.7.

Carrara finished 11th in 46:14.7.

In the men's 20km individual, Endre Strømsheim of Norway had a perfect shooting record to propel himself to victory in 51:05.9.

Strømsheim was one of only two athletes who avoided a shooting penalty.

"The feeling after the last target fell is indescribable," he commented.

"It was so much fun to share that moment with the coaches.

"It was a perfect race, with 20/20 and a gold medal.

"I love the venue here."

Anton Dudchenko of Ukraine was a distant second in 53:10.6, and third-placed Lovro Planko of Slovenia finished in 53:22.4.

The IBU Open European Championships is set to continue on Friday (January 27) with the women's 7.5km and 10km sprint races.