Sablikova continues speed skating World Cup glory in China

Sablikova, of Czech Republic, defeated Ireen Wust in the final pair of the event to clinch gold in Harbin in a time of 4:08.26, her career 43rd World Cup win in total.

Wust, of the Netherlands, led until the 2200m mark, but couldn't maintain her speed as Sablikova continued at pace, eventually placing in seventh overall.

Dutch teammate Marije Joling took the silver medal, the third of her 3000m career, with Canada's Ivanie Blondin winning bronze, her first World Cup podium finish.

Earlier in the day, Nao Kodaira won the first event of the Series with gold in the Ladies' 500m, clocking a time of 38.00 to win her second World Cup title after taking gold in Seoul, two years ago.

Her Japanese teammate Maki Tsuji won silver in 38.17, with China's Yu Jing crossing the line just 0.01 seconds slower to take the bronze medal on home soil.

There was disappointment, however, for world record holder Lee Sang-Hwa of Korea, as the back-to-back Olympic champion finished sixth in 38.47.

Meanwhile, in the men's 5000m, Sven Kramer continued his reign as king of the event as he took gold in an all-Dutch podium sweep.

Kramer, who won all 5000m World Cup races he competed in last season, clocked 6:21.60 to break the track record.

Jorrit Bergsma took silver in 6:22.38, with Erik Jan Kooiman crossing the line in 6:26.43 to complete his nation's domination in the race.