Hauswald takes fourth World Cup win of career in Oberhof

GERMANY'S Simone Hauswald captured her fourth biathlon World Cup victory by storming to gold in the 7.5km sprint in Oberhof.

TOP OF THE PILE: Simone Hauswald takes her fourth World Cup gold of the season in Oberhof (Getty Images)

The 30-year-old, who collected silver in the same event at the World Championships last year, had managed just one penalty in the blustery conditions, having missed just one target before rounding off a comfortable victory.

Hauswald chalked up a time of 22:15.1 minutes to come home 8.7 seconds ahead of nearest rival Helena Jonsson of Sweden, who also missed once on the shooting range.

Bronze went to Norway's Anna Kristin Flatland, who also missed one target, while triple Olympic champion Kati Wilhelm of Germany was forced to settle for fourth.

Jonsson's second place will ensure she stretches her lead at the top of the overall leaderboard as nearest rival and compatriot Anna Carin Olofsson-Zidek was forced to settle for 16th.