World Short Track Speed Skating Championships: Chinese Players Shine in Rotterdam
Xinhua News Agency, Rotterdam, Netherlands, March 15 (Reporters Liu Yang and Xiao Yazhuo) – The 2023-2024 International Skating Union Short Track Speed Skating World Championships kicked off its first competition day in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on March 15th. Chinese speed skaters showcased their talent as they advanced in various events.
Li Wenlong competed in the men’s 1,500-meter quarter-finals but was unfortunately eliminated due to a foul in the first final, causing Japanese player Keita Watanabe to fall. However, other Chinese team players had a successful day, with Sun Long and Park Ji-won advancing to the semi-finals. In the women’s 1500m quarter-finals, Zang Yize and Gong Li both secured spots in the semi-finals.
The Chinese team continued to impress in the men’s and women’s 500-meter events, with Lin Xiaojuan, Liu Shao’ang, Fan Kexin, and Wang Ye all advancing to the quarter-finals. In the men’s 1,000 meters, Lin Xiaojuan and Liu Shaolin secured their spots in the next round, while Gong Li and Wang Ye advanced in the women’s event.
The quarter-finals of the men’s 5000-meter relay saw the Chinese team comprising of Lin Xiaojuan, Sun Long, Liu Shaolin, and Li Wenlong finishing first in their group and advancing to the semi-finals. Similarly, the women’s 3000-meter relay team, consisting of Fan Kexin, Wang Ye, Zang Yize, and Wang Xinran, secured a spot in the semi-finals.
In the men’s and women’s mixed relay 2000 meters, the Chinese team of Fan Kexin, Gong Li, Liu Shaoang, and Sun Long advanced to the semi-finals after finishing in first place in their group.
The championships will continue on the 16th with the champions in the men’s 1500 meters, women’s 1500 meters, men’s 500 meters, and women’s 500 meters being decided. With strong performances from the Chinese team so far, fans eagerly anticipate more success in the days to come.