Tiril Eckhoff of Norway won the women's sprint at the IBU World Cup event in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand ©Getty Images

Former world champion Tiril Eckhoff of Norway won the women's 7.5 kilometre sprint at the International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup event in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand.

Despite picking up one shooting penalty at the French venue, Eckhoff triumphed in a time of 20min 27.0sec. 

The 29-year-old took the sprint world title in 2016, with three other world gold medals in the 4x6km and mixed relay events. 

She also achieved Olympic gold in the mixed relay at Sochi 2014. 

Dorothea Wierer of Italy finished the women's sprint in 22nd place ©Getty Images
Dorothea Wierer of Italy finished the women's sprint in 22nd place ©Getty Images

Justine Braisaz of France finished 6.2 seconds behind Eckhoff, while Marketa Davidova of the Czech Republic was in third place, 20.5 seconds off the mark. 

World Cup leader Dorothea Wierer of Italy languished in 22nd place. 

Competition continues tomorrow with the men's 12.5km and women's 10km pursuit competitions.