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Italian Enrico Fabris clocked one minute, 45.97 seconds to win the men's 1,500m speedskating gold medal at the Turin Olympics in Turin on Tuesday. (Xinhua photo)

TURIN, Feb. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Enrico Fabris stunned a sell-out crowd as he beat American favorites Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick to win the men's 1,500-meter speedskating on Tuesday, giving Italyanother gold after the one he won in the team pursuit.

    The 24-year-old Italian posted a time of 1:45.97, ahead of Davis and world record holder Hedrick who finished respectively in1:46.13 and 1:46.22.

    Fabris, sitting in the center of the rink, awaited impatiently Hedrick and Davis to complete their race. "I was not so sure that I have won the gold. It was a long journey for me to wait," he said.

    After Davis who is among the final pair crossed the line, Fabris, realizing he won the gold again, jumped in the air and hugged his coaching staff before picking up an Italian flag for a victory lap.

    "I think every athlete who wins a gold medal is surprised, but I knew I was skating fast so I am not surprised about that," he said.

    The victory was more significant because Fabris has beaten two strong rivals in Davis and Hedrick. "They are two great champions.One was the gold medallist in the 5,000 meters and one was the gold medallist in the 1,000 meters. I have beaten two of the best skaters in the world."

    Davis, who suffered a false start, was happy with his performance. "I am really satisfied, I did all I could do today," he said. "Fabris was the stronger skater, and he showed how the crowd amplified him to a new level."

    "I was called for a false start. I don't know if I did or not, but they called it, so I guess I did. All excuses aside Fabris wasstill the better skater, the stronger skater," he added. Enditem