THE Bulgarian national team failed to benefit from hosting the World Team Short Track Championship at Sofia's Winter Sports Palace.

The women's team, led by two-time Olympic medallist and four-time European champion Evgenia Radanova, took second place after Canada in the qualifying round and had to go through the play-offs. They then placed third after a dramatic competition with the teams of Italy and South Korea. Bulgaria's men's team dropped out of the tournament in the qualifying round.

South Korea's women's team defended its title from the previous championship. In the men's competition, the Canadians took the gold medals. The Chinese teams were disqualified in both relay events, so they were unable to defend their gold medals from the previous championship.

After the start of the men's 1000-metre final, the Korean team took the lead with Han Souk Sou and Son Souk Vu winning their races. Following the 500-metre sprint, however, Canada outran Korea, thanks to Jeff Sholten and Jean-Francoise Mone, who were the fastest in their events. In the 3000-metres final, Korean Hun Soo An was the winner, with Jonathan Gillmet from Canada finishing second, and Jeff Sholten - fourth. Canada was thus able to preserve its lead.

The men's 5000-metre relay event was very interesting. The Canadians - Jonathan Gillmet, Erik Beddar, Mathew Turkot and Jean-Francoise Mone - celebrated their victory, after a remarkable sprint. On the last curve, a Chinese competitor collided with a Canadian, and China's team was disqualified. Korea came second, and Italy - third. In the final ranking, Canada was first, followed by Korea and China.

The women's competition saw the Koreans lead after the 1000-metre run and their representatives managed to keep the lead after the 500-metre sprint. The Koreans also dominated the 3000-metres event, followed by the Chinese. The women's 3000-metre relay was also intense. The Italian team - Marta and Katia Zini, Evelina Rodigari and Marta Capurso - grabbed the victory. Just metres before the final, Chinese competitor Jan Jan Ey pushed the Canadian Amelie Nadon-Gulais and the Chinese team was disqualified. Therefore, second place was taken by Korea, and the third by Canada. Fortunately, Nadon-Gulais had no serious injury as a result of the accident.

In the women's final ranking, Korea defended its world title, second were the Chinese (also second last year), and third - the Italians. The Canadians - bronze medallists from 2002, were fourth, only a point behind the Italians.

Last year, at the World Championship in Milwaukee, US, the Chinese men's team was first, followed by Canada and Korea, and in the women's contest - the Koreans were the titleholders, followed by China and Canada.

The Polish capital Warsaw is hosting the World Individual Short Track Championship from today to Sunday. The Bulgarian team, led by Evgenia Radanoca left on Tuesday to participate in the event.