Norway's Tarjei Bø clinched his first IBU World Cup victory since 2017 at the Finnish resort, finishing the 10-kilometre sprint in 24min 3.7sec. 

Arnd Peiffer of Germany crossed the line 13.9sec off that mark, while Johannes Thingnes Bø, winner of last week's sprint in the same location, was 29.4 behind his brother to take third. 

"This is what you train for," Tarjei Bø said. 

"The last years it has been difficult to win behind Johannes and Martin [Fourcade], winning all the time. 

"For all the other athletes fighting, it was quite frustrating. 

"Now one is away and the other is my brother. 

"Today was my day and even if [I] do not win so much, it is a good feeling when I do it!"

Sweden's Hanna Öberg was the victor again in the women's 7.5km with a time of 21:11.5. 

Her sister Elvira was in third, crossing the line 27.9sec later. 

Anais Chevalier-Bouchet of France continued her strong return from maternity leave by finishing 9.6 off Hanna Öberg in second place. 

"It is so much fun to see her race," Hanna Öberg said about her sister. 

"She is so strong. 

"She is really good for me also in training; so strong and I try to take advantage of that as I can. 

"We push each other in every session the whole year. 

"It is no surprise to me that she makes these skiing times. 

"I do not think this will be the last time that you see us on the podium."

Competition is due to continue on Saturday (December 5) with the men's 12.5km pursuit competition and women's 4x6km relay, before the event concludes with the men's 4x7.5km relay and women's 10km pursuit on Sunday(December 6).

Races are being held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 crisis.