Liberec, Czech Republic - Justyna Kowalczyk attacked on the final turn to win a first cross-country skiing world title for the Polish women on Saturday, in the
15-kilometres pursuit.

Kowalczyk, 26, passed long-time leader Kristin Stoermer Steira of Norway and crossed the finish line in 40 minutes 55.3 seconds.

Steira trailed by 1.7 seconds as she missed out on a major individual title yet again. She has a relay gold from the 2005 worlds, a 30km silver 2007, plus pursuit bronze 2005 and 2007 to go with Saturday's silver.

Thursday's 10km world champion Aino Kaisa Saarinen of Finland came third, 8.0 seconds off the pace.

Saturday's win was the biggest career success for Kowalczyk. She won a 30km bronze at the 2006 Olympics and also got a bronze in Thursday's 10km. She has also won five World Cup races.

It is the second gold for Polish cross-country skiers overall at the worlds, following Josef Luszczek's 15km success 1978 in Lahti, Finland.

In the pursuit, the women ski a first 7.5km leg in classic style and then 7.5km freestyle after a quick pit stop to change skis and poles. (dpa)