WINTER OLYMPICS: Larissa Lazutina, the Russian at the centre of a recent blood testing controversy, won the women's 30km classic on Saturday to equal compatriot Ljubov Yegorova's record medals haul of six golds in women's Olympic cross country events.

Lazutina (36), punched her arms in the air in what may been regarded as a show of defiance before arriving in one hour 29 minutes 09.0 seconds to win her first gold in Salt Lake.

Italian veterans Gabriella Paruzzi and Stefania Belmondo fought each other's times out on the demanding course with three-time Olympic bronze medallist Paruzzi finally claiming a silver after arriving at 1.48.1 behind Lazutina.

Belmondo, the winner of the opening 15km classic, seemed delighted with third place as she ran to hug her outstretched compatriot after Paruzzi had beaten her time with a sprint in the dying metres.

But while the Italian women are celebrating, Lazutina's victory will be regarded from Russian eyes as sweet justice for the pain she had to endure on Thursday.

Lazutina failed a blood test prior to the 4x5km relay race and was prevented from competing. Her team had to pull out of the race in which they were expected to defend the title they first won at Calgary in 1988.

A distraught Lazutina, who has helped win three of the four relay titles won by the formidable Russians, was seen being led away from the venue in tears.

However, the much experienced mother-of-one could not be prevented from taking part in yesterday's 30km race.

The result of her urine test from Thursday was expected later last night.