SEOUL, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- With the final event of the 2017 Audi ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating series started in Seoul on Thursday, skating's finest have, almost to a person, shown glimpses of their very best form this season.
From a phalanx of high-quality South Korean skaters to a resurgent Chinese squad, a tightly knitted Canadian team, a pair of classy Dutch athletes and the wild card factor that's always present in one of the most vibrant winter sports, there is no doubt the stage is set for some breath-taking action.
The fact that the final World Cup event ahead of Winter Olympics in February is taking place just 126 kilometers from PyeongChang will add a fascinating edge to every race from Nov. 16-19. Questions will be asked in Seoul this weekend, such as how will the South Korean skaters handle the unique pressures of an expectant home crowd? And which of the competing teams will best feed off the febrile atmosphere?
In the three Audi ISU World Cup events so far this season, South Korean skaters have claimed half of the 24 gold medals on offer.
Despite the best efforts of the Chinese - second to the Koreans following a photo finish in the women's 3,000m Relay in the Shanghai event - and the Italians, who picked up a silver and two bronzes.
The women's section in Seoul looks likely to be a straight fight between the Canadians and the Koreans.
Canada's Kim Boutin picked up the 500m and 1,000m gold medals in Shanghai, after teammate Marianne St-Gelais claimed 500m glory in the previous World Cup event in Dordrecht in October. The pair are confident and it is a sign of greater things to come.
A barnstorming performance from China's Wu Dajing in front of a delighted Chinese crowd last weekend has thrown the men's competition wide open. The two-time Olympic medalist won both of China's first two individual gold medals this season, triumphing in the 500m and 1,000m in Shanghai.
"It is a major source of encouragement," Wu said, as the ladies 3,000m relay squad also picked up a silver medal in Shanghai. "I feel we are getting into shape now the Olympics are nearing."
With four different figures claiming gold in the 500m and 1,000m in the opening two men's World Cup events, including the Netherlands' four-time world champion Sjinkie Knegt and Canada's in-form Samuel Girard, it will be fascinating to see who sticks their hands up in the sprint events in Shanghai.
In contrast, the 1,500m is shaping up to be a classic duel. South Korea's Hwang Dae Heon is the man to beat, having finished silver-gold-gold in the three World Cup races to date. But Knegt, the man he pipped to the post in Shanghai, is right behind him.
All Olympic qualification quotas will be decided by the end of the action in Seoul.
