Pyeongchang, South Korea - Russia clinched gold in the women's 4 x 6-kilometre relay at the biathlon world championships in Pyeongchang on Saturday.

The Russian team of Svetlana Sleptsova, Anna Boulygina, Olga Medvedzeva and Olga Zaitseva clocked 1 hour 13 minutes 12.9 seconds without any penalties to beat Germany by 1:15.1, with France third, 1:27.5 behind the Russian team.

Russia's accuracy on the shooting range was decisive and Zaitseva was able to cross the line triumphantly carrying the Russian flag in a comfortable victory.

Germany's Kati Wilhelm's hopes of a third gold medal at the championships were dashed when she had to go into a penalty round, one of three by the team after she had led by 8.3 seconds going into the final lap.

However the silver is her fourth medal of the championships following the 15km and sprint golds and a silver in pursuit.

Earlier, Austria claimed a one-two when Dominik Landertinger stormed to victory followed by compatriot Christoph Sumann in the men's 15km mass start race. Third was Russia's Ivan Tcherezov. (dpa)