Canada pockets 3 golds on Day 2 of ISU World Short Track Championships

BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Canadian skaters delivered a dominant performance at the ISU World Short Track Championships, securing three out of four gold medals on offer on Saturday.

William Dandjinou of Canada, who clinched the ISU Crystal Globe this season, finished first in the men's 1,500m with a time of 2 minutes and 15.064 seconds, followed by Stijn Desmet of Belgium in second place, while China's Liu Shaoang took bronze.

"This is a great day overall for me and also for our team. I think we got the job done, and we are excited for what's to come," said the 23-year-old Dandjinou after the race. "We really appreciated the moment with good energy. It is our fortune to be so good as a team, and it helps to build momentum throughout the season."

Liu celebrated his 27th birthday ahead of the World Championships on Thursday. After winning the bronze, he said, "I had clean and smooth skating today. I performed well overall and can accumulate experience from each competition."

However, Team China noted that Liu's right leg was cut by an ice blade during the men's 5,000m relay semifinals later on Saturday, and his condition is under further evaluation.

In the men's 500m, Canada's Steven Dubois claimed gold in 40.008 seconds, while Denis Nikisha of Kazakhstan and Jens van 't Wout of the Netherlands took silver and bronze, respectively.

The Canadian quartet of Courtney Sarault, Rikki Doak, Florence Brunelle, and Kim Boutin triumphed in the women's 3,000m relay with a time of 4 minutes and 9.254 seconds, finishing ahead of runner-up Poland, while the Netherlands secured third place.

Belgium's Hanne Desmet clocked 1 minute and 28.641 seconds to top the podium in the women's 1,000m, followed by silver medalist Sarault and bronze winner Xandra Velzeboer of the Netherlands.

The three-day World Short Track Championships will conclude on Sunday, with the final five titles to be decided. ■