Maiden World Cup win for Babikov as Fourcade fades

The 25-year-old covered the course in 31:22.3, albeit with one penalty, to take the victory ahead of teammate Maxim Tsvetkov who hit all the targets but was slower over the skis, eventually finishing 10.5 seconds back.

World Cup leader Martin Fourcade was looking for his third consecutive win in Oestersund and left the starting gate with a 42-second advantage.

But this lead quickly disappeared as he missed two targets in the first prone with Babikov and Tsvetkov closing in on the Frenchman.

The crucial change around came in the last standing as Fourcade missed two targets and both Russian men stayed clean.

Babikov then took the lead and held on to the advantage to cross the line first ahead of Tsvetkov with Fourcade 15.2 seconds back in third.

Babikov said: "From the very beginning, I knew that everything could be possible. We were going very close.

"Before going to Oestersund, I was a little worried, it's always curious to see how well you are prepared for the season."

Fourcade did at least hold on to the World Cup leaders bib on 168 points after three competitions with Tsvetkov second on 104.