Finland's Heikkinen wins 15K cross-country in Oslo

Matti Heikkinen has won the first gold medal for Finland at the Nordic world skiing championships, holding off two Norwegians in the 15-kilometer classical-style race.

This is Heikkinen's first world title. He took the bronze in the same event two years ago in Liberec, Czech Republic.

He was timed Tuesday in 38 minutes, 14.7 seconds. Eldar Roenning was 13.3 seconds behind and Martin Johnsrud Sundby was third, 31.9 seconds back. Sprint champion Marcus Hellner of Sweden finished in 34th place.

Norway's Petter Northug, winner of the 30-kilometer pursuit, skipped the race to rest for other events.