China triumphs at Jilin cross-country event

The first stage of the Tour de Ski China 2019 concluded on New Year’s Day at Changbaishan Luneng Resort in northeast China’s Jilin province. Home hope Wang Qiang won the men’s sprint, with Marina Chernousova of Russia claiming the women’s title.

Wang led all the way to win the 1.5 km race, followed by Reese Hanneman of the United States and Raul Shakirzianov of Russia.

In the women’s event, China’s Li Xin and Chi Chunxue finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The FIS cross-country event was organized by the Chinese Ski Association, Jilin provincial sports bureau and Nordic Ways. The first stage attracted more than 90 participants from eight countries and regions, including China, the US, Sweden and the Czech Republic.