Canada dominates with six golds at ISU World Short Track Championships in Beijing

Canada became the biggest winner at the ISU World Short Track Championships after securing six out of the nine gold medals on offer over the three-day tournament.

BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- As the ISU World Short Track Championships in Beijing concluded at the Capital Indoor Stadium on Sunday, Canada emerged as the biggest winner, securing six out of the nine gold medals over the three-day tournament.

Short track powerhouse Canada, this season's ISU Crystal Globe team winner, claimed three titles in the men's 500m, men's 1,500m, and women's 3,000m relay on Saturday and added another three titles on Sunday with a dominant performance.

Steven Dubois of Canada clinched the men's 1,000m gold in one minute and 23.348 seconds, followed by his compatriot William Dandjinou in second place, while Pietro Sighel of Italy took bronze.

Canada also triumphed in the mixed relay and the men's 5,000m relay, showcasing exceptional teamwork. Marc Gagnon, Canada's head coach, said after the competitions, "I knew that the whole team was ready, and we had potential to win a lot of medals. But to be frank, it did go a little over my expectations."

Gagnon added, "I think everybody in the world is getting faster. I don't think there is a limit yet, and we can still do faster."

China secured silver in the men's 5,000m relay, and the home team's Liu Shaoang, whose right leg was cut by an ice blade during a race on Saturday, insisted on competing on the final day.

Liu said, "I felt delighted to help the team win a silver in the relay. My doctor suggested me not to compete today in the morning, but I didn't give up. It was a difficult race indeed, but I just want to show myself in front of home audience with the utmost effort for 100 percent."

In the women's 500m, Xandra Velzeboer of the Netherlands clinched the gold in 42.132 seconds, while Rikki Doak of Canada and Poland's Natalia Maliszewska won silver and bronze, respectively.

The women's 1,500m gold went to Choi Min-jeong of South Korea with a time of 2:27.136, ahead of runner-up Courtney Sarault of Canada. South Korea's rising star Kim Gil-li finished third.  ■