Czech Republic’s Sablikova wins 3,000 ahead of Germany’s Beckert and Canada’s Groves

Sablikova wins 3000

RICHMOND, British Columbia — Martina Sablikova won the women’s 3,000 meters, the first of a two possible long-distance gold medals for the Czech speedskater.

Germany’s Stephanie Beckert took silver ahead of Canada’s Kristina Groves on Sunday.

Sablikova finished in 4 minutes, 02.53 seconds for a margin of 2.09 seconds over the German Beckert. Groves had 4.04.84 and fell short of giving Canada its first gold medal on home soil.

Sablikova also is favored to win the 5,000 meters later in the Olympics.