ZHANGJIAKOU /China/, February 6./TASS/. Skier Alexander Bolshunov came first in skiathlon, bringing the first Olympic gold for Team ROC. Denis Spitsov finished second, clinshing silver.

Bolshunov covered the distance in one hour 16 minutes and 9.8 seconds. Spitsov was one minute and 11 seconds behind him. Iivo Niskanen delivered bronze for Finland.

Bolshunov, 25, fell at a slope at the first lap, but was quick to get up and not to lag behind. Spitsov fell on the last lap.

Team ROC is now second in the medals standing, with one gold, two silver and one bronze medals. Team Norway is currently first (2-0-0), followed by Slovenia (1-0-1).