The five-time Olympic champion Bø began proceedings with a triumph in the men's 10-kilometres sprint as he crossed the line after 23mins 9secs to beat compatriot Sturla Holm Lægreid by 10.5secs.

Germany's Roman Rees was able to secure a podium place with 23:37.8 on the clock to better his fourth-place finish in the 20km event earlier in the competition.

Bø sealed victory in Finland with a rapid final lap to compensate for a standing penalty that saw him come out with just 2.8 seconds over his countryman.

"Most important is to get the win," said Bø.

"You can be satisfied but you are always hunting for clean shooting in the sprint, especially having a pursuit the day after.

"It is a little bit frustrating.

"Most important is to get to win.

"Missing one means that you are able to miss one more and then I would be out of the victory.

"Today I am happy that I finished first in a very tight race."

Hauser then shot clean and held her pace to cruise to victory in the women's 7.5km sprint.

She was followed across the line by Italy's Lisa Vittozzi and Linn Persson of Sweden who registered times of 20:56.8 and 21:03.7.

"I am really happy now, really emotional, because I never expected such a good start to the season," said Hauser.

"I had some trouble in the summer so I told myself I had to go race-by-race and now I am here with another victory in a sprint.

"So, it is really cool.

"I gave it all I had today."