Netherlands dominates World Speed Skating Single Distances Championships

HAMAR, Norway, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The ISU World Speed Skating Single Distances Championships concluded here on Sunday, with the Netherlands asserting its dominance by claiming eight gold, six silver and four bronze medals to top the medal standings.

Norway's Peder Kongshaug took the men's 1,500m gold with a time of 1:44.64. American Jordan Stolz finished second, while Canada's Connor Howe secured bronze.

China's Ning Zhongyan narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth, just 0.23 seconds behind the winner. Following the close finish, Ning expressed optimism about refining his performance in preparation for next year's Winter Olympics.

In the women's 1,500m, the Netherlands' Joy Beune and Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong secured gold and silver respectively, while China's Han Mei clinched bronze. China secured a gold medal in the men's team sprint on the opening day.

Meanwhile, Italy's Davide Ghiotto claimed the men's 10,000m title, with Poland's Vladimir Semirunniy and Metodej Jilek of the Czech Republic rounding out the podium.

In the women's mass start, Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands emerged victorious, while Canada's Ivanie Blondin and Francesca Lollobrigida of Italy finishing second and third respectively. China's Yang Binyu finished just outside the podium in fourth place. ■