A time of 1 hour 25min 33sec in icy conditions saw her finish comfortably in front of compatriots Alena Trapeznikova, the runner-up in 1:30:27, and Polina Frolova, the bronze medallist in 1:30:41.

Tove Alexandersson’s gold medal run came to an end as the Swede was forced to retire due to sickness early in the race.

"Recently, this has been one of my favourite distances because it is contact based and I think such conditions allow me to concentrate more on working," Kechkina said.

"I did not know that Tove fell out of the race until the finish.

"The coach gave me minimal information, saying only that I have to pass the distance calmly and without taking risks.

"On the last lap I saw that I was the first to take the card, and this was the only information I knew.

"I am very happy that the first gold medal in my sports career was won at the World Championships.

"Thanks to all the supporters for believing in me and cheering me on in the race."

Russia’s Tatyana Oborina came fourth, while Finland’s Marjut Turunen ended up fifth.

In the equivalent men’s event, Sweden’s Erik Rost triumphed with a time of 1:46:04 to add to the gold medal he won alongside Alexandersson in the mixed sprint relay. 

Rost pulled ahead on the final loop of a topsy-turvy race, beating nearest challenger Kirill Veselov of Russia by 1.18 seconds.

There was a frantic sprint in the battle for bronze as Norway’s Lars Moholdt edged Russia’s Andrey Lamov by 0.01 seconds with a time of 1:47:27.

A photo finish was required to separate the pair.

Action in Krasnoyarsk is due to conclude tomorrow with the men’s and women’s relay mass start events.