Speedsters rally for golden finish

Lin refused all interview requests from media, despite his individual gold, leaving the arena in apparent disappointment.

Although falling far behind their Korean opponents on the first day of action, Chinese skaters have put on a brave face and are opting to push ahead with a positive mindset in their remaining events.

"Of course we comforted and encouraged each other (after the mixed relay). We are a team and we always stick together," said women's distance specialist Zang Yize, who won bronze in the 1,500m.

"We won't put ourselves under huge pressure, or stay frustrated, though. We still have more individual and team events to contest.

"We will focus on the next race, get up when we fall and try to push for better results with confidence," said the 25-year-old Harbin native.

Gong Li, China's silver medalist in the women's 1,500m, admitted that the opening blow of losing the mixed relay did have an impact, but she's content with the resilience she showed to be mentally refreshed for her individual race.

"While there was certainly disappointment, it didn't dampen our momentum," said Gong, who skated second leg in the relay. "Thanks to our years of experience, we understand how to mentally adjust after any race, ensuring we're ready to face whatever comes next."

Unexpectedly, yet encouragingly, the host's speed skaters came out flying on the long track at the oval on the other side of the ice sports center, bagging three out of the four gold medals on offer on Saturday.

Reigning 500m Olympic champion Gao Tingyu proved his strength in the sprint events by storming to a fast first-place finish in just 9.35 sec against ROK veteran Kim Jun-ho in the men's 100m final, claiming the first gold up for grabs on the speed skating program.