Caldwell had only squeezed through qualifying in 10th spot out of 12 but held the advantage of being the only finalist capable of producing a triple jump. 

She duly achieved exactly that for a score of 99.63 and a decisive victory.

"It feels amazing to win here in Lake Placid," said Caldwell.

"I've trained here for five years, so to be able to come out here and show all these people that all the work I've put in here is still paying off is a nice feeling."

Australia's Danielle Scott executed her jumps perfectly, but her lower degree of difficulty meant she had to settle for second place with 92.00.

Russia's 18-year-old Kristina Spiridonova claimed a first World Cup podium finish with bronze on 81.27.

Belarus' Kushnir continued his superb comeback after nearly three years out of the sport following his Sochi success.

He nailed a full, double full, full to earn the win with a score of 120.36 to follow his victory in Beidahu.

"Man, I was surprised again tonight," Kushnir said.

"I just tried to prepare and focus on the next jump, next jump, next jump. 

"Our plan was for me to be in good form by the end of the season and I’m not sure I've had the right feeling yet, but the memory [of how to jump] is still in my head and this is helping me."

The US enjoyed more success at the twice Winter Olympic venue as Mac Bohonnon took silver on 119.46.

Russia claimed another bronze courtesy of Maxim Burov on 107.3.