Five British short track speed skaters enjoyed success on the opening day of the second and final Olympic qualifier in Kolomna with world bronze medallist Elise Christie going strong on two fronts.
World Cup 1000m champion Christie reached the quarter-finals of both ladies events on the first day, the 1500m and 500m, and will be joined in the former in Russia by Charlotte Gilmartin.
European 1500m bronze medallist Gilmartin however was unable to progress out of the preliminaries of the 500m, falling at the same stage as up-and-coming skater Kathryn Thomson.
There was also success for Britain’s men with Richard Shoebridge alive and in the quarter-finals of the 1500m and Paul Stanley and Jon Eley progressing to the eighth-finals in the 500m.
Shoebridge couldn’t join them though as he went out in the 500m heats while Josh Cheetham and Jack Whelbourne in the men’s and Alex Stanley in the ladies fell at the same stage in the 1500m.
The second day of the final Olympic qualifier and fourth World Cup of the season in Kolomna sees the 1000m and relay events take centre stage.
© Sportsbeat 2013