Akimova, whose only previous victory was in the IBU Cup sprint in Obertilliach in Austria last season, triumphed in 21 mins 58.9sec.

A personal best time saw France’s Anais Chevalier finish 0.43 seconds off the pace in the runners-up spot, while the United States’ Susan Dunklee matched her personal best to end up 5.1 seconds back in third.

"Of course I didn't expect I would win today and I am very excited about this victory," said Akimova, the IBU Rookie of the Year last season.

"As usual I wanted to do my best and it's great I could do it.

"This is a very important result for the women's team, but we are also very happy when the guys win because we are a team all together."

Dunklee looked well positioned for the win after home favourite Gabriela Koukalová incurred three standing penalties to drop out of contention.

Akimova soon took over though, shooting clean in prone and matching that in standing to leave with a lead of 3.1 seconds.

She gained some time as she powered up the hill and crossed the finish line 5.1 seconds up on the field.

However, the competition was not over at that point with Chevalier matching Akimova on the shooting range to leave standing with the lead.

The Frenchwoman manged to maintain it through 6.3km but her turnover slowed in the final 1,200m and she had to settle for second.

"I changed a lot of things after a difficult start to the season when I did not expect such bad results," said Chevalier, who spent most of the last campaign on the IBU Cup circuit.

"I am so glad I shot clean today and I am so happy now."

Fourth place went to Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier, who was 16.5 seconds back with two penalties.

Action in Nové Město is set to continue tomorrow with the men’s 12.5km pursuit and the women’s 10km pursuit.