The Beijing 2022 15km mass start silver medallist crossed the line in 49min 36.6sec, to claim the second victory of his career after the 2021 World Championships gold in the 10km sprint at Pokljuka.

It was a day to forget for Frenchman and defending champion Quentin Fillon Maillet, who finished in a disappointing 15th place.

The silver medal went to Switzerland’s Niklas Hartweg in 50:30.7 while the bronze medal was bagged by Germany’s David Zobel in 50.35.8.

"Of course, shooting was the key today, in a distance race like this," Ponsiluoma said.

"I felt focused all day.

"I was really good on the tracks; I opened under control and then I could hold the times for the five loops.

"That was the key.

"It felt like a hard interval session.

"I never got really tired, so I had a fantastic day out there."

Due to one penalty, Zobel’s compatriot Roman Rees finished fourth, 1min 00.9sec behind winner Ponsiluoma.

Sebastian Samuelsson of Sweden completed the top-five, clocking 50:39.3.