THE CANADIAN PRESS
CALGARY — Kristina Groves of Ottawa won her second gold medal and brothers Denny and Jay Morrison finished 1-2 in the 1,500-metre races at the Canadian single-distances speed skating championships Sunday.
In the women’s race, Groves was timed in one minute 54.86 seconds and World Cup leader Christine Nesbitt of London, Ont., was second in 1:57.20, while Shannon Rempel of Winnipeg was third in 1:57.27.
`’I was surprised with the time," said Groves, the 3,000 winner on Saturday and second to Nesbitt in the World Cup standings. `’I did have one of my fastest opening 300 metres ever and the rest of it was solid except for the last lap which was kind of lousy.
"It was a good test for me."
In the men’s 1,500, Denny Morrison of Fort St. John, B.C., took the gold in 1:42.76 with his brother Jay Morrison second in 1:45.27. Steven Elm of Red Deer, Alta., was third in 1:45.69. With his performance, Jay Morrison joins his brother on the World Cup circuit.
`’It was a pretty good race," said Denny Morrison, with two World Cup silver medals this season at the distance. `’I gave myself a bit of gap for the all-around title, which is a goal of mine here.
"The 10,000 (Monday) is not my best race so I need as much room as possible. I was really relaxed (Sunday) and my splits were very even.
"I improved my corners as well."
In the men’s 5,000 on Saturday, Arne Dankers of Calgary was the victor in 6:24.85 with Justin Warsylewicz of Calgary second in 6:27.06 and Denny Morrison third in 6:27.68.
Competition ends Monday at the Olympic Oval.