Russia wins mixed team sprint in Universiade

The second day of the 27th Winter Universiade in Strbske Pleso was perfect for Russian and Polish athletes as both won two medals on Monday.

Russian skiers ruled the mixed team sprint as Anton Gafarov and Svetlana Nikolaeva timed 19:56.98 to finish first at a track long 1,5 km, where each skier made three laps.

"We are really satisfied with the race. Everything, including weather, skis and track, was ideal," said Gafarov.

Raul Shakirizanov and Anna Povoliaeva of the Team Russia II took the silver, 3.86 seconds slower than the winners and Team Czech republic II finished third.

Polish athlete Adam Cieslar converted preliminary 3rd position after Individual Gundersen into total victory in Nordic Combined thanks to brilliant finish in Cross-Country part.

Photo finish revealed minimal difference between Cieslar and the second David Welde from Germany. Welde reached the silver medal despite being 13th after jumping part.

"It was difficult race on hard track. Anyway, I am very glad for the victory. It was really close to the end, and it took me a while to find out what is the result of final spurt. The finish was very exciting," explained Cieslar. Another Polish, Szczepan Kupczak finished on the third position and completed among the top three.

As being the hosting country, Slovakia also won the first medal. Biathlonist Paulina Fialkova got bronze medal on 15km individual women on Sunday.

After six events Russia tops the medal table by nine. Endite