Chinese skaters shine at ISU Shanghai Trophy
Sports Scene
Team China in mixed relay at ISU Trophy, October 5, 2019, Shanghai, China. /VCG Photo

Team China in mixed relay at ISU Trophy, October 5, 2019, Shanghai, China. /VCG Photo

Chinese short speed skaters have created quite a sensation in front of their home fans at the ongoing ISU Trophy in Shanghai. Much to delight of local fans, Team China came out on top in the mixed 2000 meter relay, to add to their silver won in the women's 3000 meter relay and bronze from the men's 5000 meter relay. 

Earlier, in Saturday's mixed 2000 final, China were competing against favorites, the Netherlands and Hungary. The Chinese quartet featured three teenage skaters but it was a veteran at the Grand old age of 23-year-old, Han Tianyu, who surpassed Dutchwoman Melle Van Wout in the final stretch and took the lead for the final three laps. China held on their narrow lead and went on to win the gold in 2 minutes, 37.936 seconds. 

Later, Han told reporters, "We came here with the goal of winning the gold. Though it was said that the veterans should lead the young players, the young guys are strong in their ability. I think our Chinese team's young athletes are at an even higher level than our veterans." 

Meanwhile, Chinese figure skater Jin Boyang, who came 4th at the 2018 Pyeongchang winter Olympics, won a bronze medal in men's figure skating. The 22-year-old made a minor mistake in his first jump and then fell in a Toe Loop to finish the free dance with 161.46 points, the second best score on Saturday, only after Aleksandr Samarin of Russia.  

His better performance in the free dance guaranteed Jin, who ranked fifth in the short program on Friday, to rise up to the third place with a total of 232.17. Italy's Matteo Rizzo, topped the podium with 248.53.