January 29, 2011 (Nove Mesto, Czech Republic) – The USA’s Kelly Kjorlien placed 27th as the top North American in the youth women’s six-kilometre sprint won by the Ukraine’s Ekaterina Zubova at the opening event of the 2011 Youth and Junior Biathlon World Championships in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. France’s Anais Chevalier took the silver and Russia’s Elena Badanina claimed the bronze.

The USA’s Carly Wynn finished in 53rd, Tara Geraghty-Moats placed 58th and Silke Hynes was 62nd. Five Canadians were on the start line lead by Quebec’s Rose-Marie Cote in 44th, Julia Ransom of Kelowna, B.C. in 51st, Sarah Beudry of Prince George, B.C. placed 52nd and Danielle Vrielink of Calgary was 55th.

Italy’s Dorothy Wierer won gold in the 7.5-kilometre junior women’s sprint ov

er Russia’s Aleksandra Alikina in second with Sweden’s Ingela Andersson taking the bronze. Canada’s Emma Lunder lead the North Americans in 31st, American Corrine Malcolm was just behind her in 33rd, Quebec’s Audrey Vaillancourt was 44th, Grace Boutot (USA) was 47th, while Yolaine Oddou finished in 48th.

The top 60 in both races advance to the pursuit races on Sunday

Full youth women’s results HERE.
Full junior women’s results HERE.