Lin Xiaojun (right), from the Heilongjiang Province Ice Training Center, battles it out in the men's open group 500-meter final, on Sept 16. The 2023-24 China Cup Short Track Speed Skating Elite League (Hohhot division) – also serving as a qualification event for the 14th National Winter Games – entered its fifth day of competition. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Wang Yichao, from the Jilin Provincial Sports Bureau Ice Sports Management Center, competes in the women's open group 500-meter finals. She went on to claim the title, followed by Zhao Yuanwei from the Liaoning team and Wang Xinran from the Heilongjiang team in third place. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The victors pose for a group photo after the match. In the men's open 500m final, Lin Xiaojun from the Heilongjiang team clinched the championship, while Liu Shaoang from the Tianjin team came in second place, with Ren Ziwei from the Heilongjiang team securing bronze. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Women champions show their medals on Sept 16. [Photo by Ding Genhou/For chinadaily.com.cn]