OTTAWA, Nov. 5 (silubaba) -- South Korean ace Park Ji-won defended the men's 1,500m title at the ISU Four Continents Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Laval, Canada on Saturday.
Park continued his dominance in the event as he finished in two minutes and 33.158 seconds, followed by home favorite Steven Dubois in 2:33.228 and South Korea's Kim Gun-woo in 2:33.324.
With five laps to go, Park passed the front-runner William Dandjinou of Canada and locked up the lead to seal the win.
Park, who won the 1,000m and 1,500m at last season's tournament, saw the game as a competition between South Korean and Canadian athletes.
"I'm happy. The four Continents is a good competition, we have some good races with Canada," said Park.
"I am not back to my best form yet. I hope it will come over the next few months, and that I can get to that point for the World Championships. I hope I will get back into my best condition," he added.
Dubois won the 500m with 40.149 seconds, ahead of his compatriot Jordan Pierre-Gilles in 40.183 and Andrew Heo of the United States in 40.299.
Also on Saturday, Kristen Santos-Griswold clinched two titles in women's 500m and 1,500m events, winning the first Four Continents gold medal for America.
"I didn't know this was USA's first gold at a Four Continents. But I think this team will really develop and come through over the next few years," Santos-Griswold stated.
Sunday will decide the winners of the 1,000m events and relay matches. ■
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