Kontiolahti, Finland - Martina Glagow claimed first place and Simone Denkinger came third on Thursday as the German women started in style into what promises another strong biathlon World Cup season for them. Glagow hit all 20 targets in the shooting range to win the 15- kilometres race in 46 minutes 28.8 seconds in light snowfall. It was her 12th career win.
Tatiana Moiseeva of Russia was beaten into second place by 6.7 seconds with zero faults and Denkinger trailed the winner by 1:02.7 minutes after missing twice in the shooting range for two penalty minutes.
The German women won 16 of 27 World Cup races last season, snatched four of five world titles and got the World Cup trophy from Andrea Henkel, who placed 18th on Thursday.
The men's season-opening race over 20km was scheduled for later Thursday.
