It was double Swedish in the noblest denominations in the men’s sprint at the WC in roller-ski shooting in Ruhpolding.
Sebastian Samuelsson showed right away that he intended to be there and fight for the victory when he was flawless in the first shot – but it was also Martin Ponsilouma who took the lead eight tenths ahead of Samuelsson.
But in the second shooting, Ponsilouma was responsible for as many as four misses and thus pushed himself away from the medal chances.
Samuelsson missed only once in the second, standing shooting and took home the gold medal in a time of 18.38.01.
— In terms of driving, this was the best feeling I’ve had. Glad I shot fully in the prone position and fought all the way, says Samuelsson to the Swedish Biathlon Association.
In Ponsilouma’s absence at the top, another Swede stepped forward in Peppe Femling. After the second shoot, he was only 3.5 seconds behind but failed to get any closer, but Samuelsson extended the distance to almost eight seconds.
— Unlucky again today. It is a slightly shorter competition here, so the shooting becomes even more important. Great fun, says Peppe Femling.