Makarainen enjoys first World Cup win in Oestersund

Dec 3, 2010, 17:43 GMT

Ostersund, Sweden - Kaisa Makarainen of Finland secured the first biathlon World Cup success of her career Friday with victory in a women's 7.5-kilometre sprint event in Ostersund.

Makarainen had previously managed five podium finishes in six seasons but this time produced flawless shooting to win in a time of 22 minutes, 42.1 seconds.

'I hope that this will be my season,' said Makarainen after the race on the Swedish course in temperatures approaching minus 20 degrees Celsius.

'This year, everything has been going well in training.'

Germany's Miriam Goessner, who was also perfect in the range, secured second place with a time 18.7 seconds slower than Makarainen to register the first podium finish of her career.

'I was so happy with my shooting today,' said Goessner. 'I'm so delighted with my second place finish.'

Darya Domracheva of Belarus completed the podium placings after missing one target, finishing 47.1 seconds behind the winner.

The biathlon World Cup continues Saturday in Ostersund with a men's 10km sprint event.

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