China's Olympic debutant Ning skates under home pressure

The home favorite refreshed his personal best of 1:08.839 at sea level he registered in Norway this season. "I felt OK about ranking in the top five. I will try to improve myself, especially the ability of accelerating in the first lap," he said.

Ning had claimed two gold and two silver medals over 1,000m and 1,500m at the World Cup, underscoring his status as a leading figure in China's speed skating team.

"I have expected a lot from myself since I won those medals in the World Cup," he said. "I really want to win a medal here to prove myself."