American Jessica Diggins, who won the Tour de ski earlier this winter, gave the often superior Therese Johaug a solid match in the opening race in Falun.
Diggins had the lead at all times except the one with 900 meters left when Johaug who had Diggins time to go was one second ahead.
But that was not enough against sprint-fast Diggins, who finished 2.1 seconds ahead of the Norwegian.
Ebba Andersson was 14.6 seconds behind Diggins as a completely superior third.
Down to Ragnhild Haga in fourth place, it was just over 25 seconds.
The text is updated.