Kristina Smigun overtook Katerina Neumannova in the final stretch at the women's cross-country skiing 15km pursuit, winning a gold medal for Estonia on Sunday.

The two pulled away in the final kilometers and Smigun skied pass the jaded Neumannova to cross the finish line in 42 minutes, 48.7 seconds, 1.9 seconds ahead of the Czech woman, who took the silver.

Russian Evgenia Medvedeva-Abruzova picked the bronze in 43:03.2.

World Cup leader Marit Bjorgen of Norway dropped out before the midway point of the race with a stomach problem.

Beckie Scott of Canada, who was awarded the gold in Salt Lake City after two Russians were disqualified for doping, finished sixth.

In pursuit, athletes change their skis at the 7.5-kilometer mark and are allowed to skate after starting the race with classic skiing.

(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2006)