December 06, 2018 (Pokljuka, Slovenia) – The USA’s Susan Dunklee finished just outside the top 10 showing good form with just one miss on the shooting range to place 11th in the women’s 15K individual at Pokljuka with 102 starters. Yuliya Dzhima of Ukraine claimed her first World Cup title with perfect shooting.

Second place, also a career best, went to Poland’s Monika Hojnisz with one penalty at 5.9 seconds back. Following with her first podium in third place was 21-year-old Marketa Davidova of Czech Republic, also with a single penalty at 16.5 seconds behind.

“This is the best early-season result I’ve had in years,” said Dunklee, a two-time Olympian, who crossed the line just over a minute behind Dzhima. “The snow was slushy and deep and I didn’t feel strong on the skis so I concentrated on simply keeping a consistent pace.” Dunklee cleaned her first 18 targets before missing on the 19th from the standing position. “My shooting felt very stable today and the miss was a well executed shoot that split out,” she added.

The top Canadian was Megan Tandy in 62nd with three penalties. Clare Egan (USA) finished just ahead of her in 60th with five penalties.

Results here.