Apolo Anton Ohno denied South Korean star Ahn Hyun-soo his third gold medal at the Turin Olympics when the American won the men's 500m short track speed skating event in Turin on Saturday.

 

Ohno, who won the gold in the 1,500m and silver in the 1,000m at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002, clocked the fastest time of 41.935 seconds to edge Ahn into third place, who was timed 42.009. Francois-Louis Tremblay of Canada won the silver in 42.002.

 

Ohno burst into the lead from the start while Ahn reacted slow to the gun. Ahn tried, on several occasions, to speed from the outside lane but failed all in vain.

 

The 23-year-old Ohno looked ecstatic as he crossed the line, his arms raised in surprise and victory.

 

There was a scare for Ohno in the semifinal as he clashed with Chinese veteran Li Jiajun during the last lap. He fought back strongly but Li crossed the line ahead of him, only to be disqualified, allowing Ohno to take a finals spot.

 

Ahn had won the men's 1,000m and 1,500m titles at these Games.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2006)