Viktor Ahn won the gold medal in the men's 1,000 metres short track speed skating at the Sochi Winter Olympics on Saturday, leading a Russian one-two in one of the sport's premier events.

Competing for his adopted country Russia, Ahn reclaimed the title he last won for South Korea in Turin eight years ago, leading almost all the way in the five-man final.

Vladimir Grigorev, also of Russia, won the silver medal while the bronze went to Sjinkie Knegt of the Netherlands at the Iceberg Skating Palace.

Ahn, regarded as one of the greatest short track speed skaters of all time, won three Olympic gold medals for South Korea at Turin but switched allegiances after missing out on the team for Vancouver and falling out with Korean officials.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)