Moa Ilar crossed the finish line 2.16 seconds behind qualifying winner Jasmi Joensuu of Finland and 5.73 seconds ahead of overall leader Jessie Diggins of the USA. Ilar is in good overall form heading into Saturday's races.
It felt like skiing in syrup. My body didn't really respond to commands, but I'm doing well and I have really good skis that I can trust, Ilar told Viaplay.
Johanna Hagström and Moa Lundgren finished fourth and fifth respectively in the classic sprint qualifying.
Frida Karlsson (13th), Märta Rosenberg (16th), Ebba Andersson (20th) and Maja Dahlqvist (25th) are also through to the quarterfinals.
Evelina Crüsell and Lisa Eriksson are eliminated.
The Olympic-qualified talent Alvar Myhlback completed the course and was the best of the Swedish men, finishing tenth. The 19-year-old was 4.44 seconds behind the qualifying winner Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. The Norwegian also leads the overall standings.
William Poromaa has also been selected for the Olympics, but the 25-year-old was not successful in the sprint qualifying and is out. Poromaa fell badly in the pursuit start on New Year's Day and suffered rib pain.
Also through are Edvin Anger (16th), Johan Ekberg (23rd) and Anton Grahn (26th).
Truls Gisselman, Gustaf Berglund, Eric Rosjö and Jonas Eriksson are eliminated.
The quarterfinals start at 2:45 p.m.
