Russia's Dmitri Yaroshenko and Sandrine Bailly of France have won men's and women's World Cup biathlon sprint events in Hochfilzen, Austria.
Yaroshenko won the men's 10-km sprint race in 23:57.8 seconds with one missed target. Norwegian hero Ole Einar Bjoerndalen was second 37.7 seconds back with two shooting misses. Russia's Andrei Makoveev also had two misses and finished third (51 seconds back).
Bjoerndalen leads the overall World Cup men's standings with 144 points. Yaroshenko is tied for second with compatriot Ivan Tcherezov with 139 points.
In the women's 7.5 km sprint, Sandrine Bailly was flawless on the rifle range and won in 21:53 seconds. Ekatarina Iourieva of Russia was second (18.8 seconds back) with reigning World Cup champion Kati Wilhelm of Germany third (33.9 seconds behind).
Martina Glagow of Germany leads the overall World Cup standings with 157 points. Bailly is second with 148 points. Norway's Tora Berger is tied for third with Wilhelm and Andrea Henkel of Germany with 133 points.
The pursuit races are Saturday and the relays are Sunday. Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting from a variety of positions. Athletes must ski penalty laps or are given time penalties for missed targets.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.
