The reigning long-distance biathlon world champion finished just four seconds ahead of Russian World Cup leader Svetlana Konovalova over the six kilometre course, with Konovalova's teammate Maria Lovleva completing the podium in third.

Ekau's 22-year-old compatriot Vivian Hosch, and guide Norman Schlee, had a similar battle with another two Russian's in the visually impaired race, finishing third in this case to round off an impressive day for the German contingent.

In that event, world champion Mikhaluna Lysova, with guide Alexey Ivanov, took the victory in 17min 30.5sec, ahead of Iuliia Budaleeva guided by Tatiana Maltseva.

Russia swept the board in the men's 7.5 kiometres sitting race as the 2014 Paralympic Games host continued to show their strength in the build up to Sochi.

World Cup leader Roman Petsuhkov extended his lead over Japan's Kozo Kubo with victory in 22:13.1 as the Japanese world champion could only manage ninth.

Japan's Kozo Kubo finished a disappointing eight in the men's sitting event to fall further behind World Cup leader Roman Petsuhkov ©Getty Images



Irek Zaripov finished just a few tenths behind Petushkov in 22:52.4 but comfortably ahead of teammate Alexey Bychenok, who came in eight seconds later.

Russia's Azat Karachurin extended his biathlon World Cup lead over Norway's Nils-Erik Ulset, finishing first despite dropping a shot in the standing race.

His compatriot Aleksandr Pronkov finished strongly to complete the podium in third.

The men's visually impaired event saw Russia's triple biathlon world champion Nikolay Polukhin, and guide Andrey Tokarev, increase their huge lead atop the leaderboard with victory over Ukrainian world championship silver medallists Anatolli Kovalevsky and guide Oleksandr Mukshyn, and cross-country World Cup overall winner Stanislav Chokhlaev, guided by Maksim Pirogov.

Oleksandra Kononova and Liudmyla Liashenko picked up two more podium places for Ukraine in the women's standing, split by Russian Anna Milenina in second.

Action continues in Oberried tomorrow.

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