MILAN, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Dutch skater Xandra Velzeboer won gold in the women's short track 500 metres at the Olympics on Thursday, denying reigning champion Arianna Fontana a hat-trick in the event, as the Italian had to settle for silver.
Velzeboer, who set a world record in the semi-final, led from the start of the race ahead of Fontana, a gold medallist at the previous two Games in Beijing and PyeongChang over the 500 metres distance.
Canadian Courtney Sarault came third.
In a Milan Ice Skating Arena almost entirely orange due to the large presence of Dutch fans, Velzeboer redeemed herself after Tuesday's mixed relay fall which prevented her team from qualifying for the final.
(editing by Keith Weir)
