Näslund's long-awaited return happened to be at the same place where she suffered a fractured tibia a year ago. An injury that has kept her from competing to this day.
The reigning Olympic champion and the World Cup champion of recent years immediately showed that she is the skier to beat this winter.
Näslund, who started number 34, was three hundredths faster than Swiss Sasjka Lack.
Uma Kruse Een came in 17th place, Linnea Mobärg finished in 19th. It was not enough to reach the first World Cup competition of the season, which will be decided on Thursday. 16 skaters are participating.
Also on Wednesday, a qualifier awaits Sandra Näslund and the other Swedes, for Friday's competition.
For the Swedish men, things went a little tougher in the qualifiers. Erik Mobärg and Fredrik Nilsson made it to the finals in 12th and 24th place. David Mobärg ended up just outside the final field, in 33rd place.
The men also qualify on Wednesday, for Friday's competition.
