Shimizu, reigning champion form Erzurum 2011, defended his title with an overall score of 268.5 points to see off Polish rivals Adam Cieslar and Pawel Slowiok.

The 21-year-old came into the ski jumping competition lying in fifth place after the 10 kilometre cross-country race earlier in the day at Lago di Tesero.

But a superb second jump of 101 metres was enough to see him retain his title, one of three gold medals decided today.

"I am very happy about this medal," said Shimizu.

"And, that I've honoured Japan once more.

"Now let's see what happens on Wednesday (December 18), during the team-competition, and who knows, maybe another success will come."

Russian-born Almoukov, who moved to Australia when he was seven, claimed an historic bronze medal in the men's 12.5 km biathlon pursuit in Lago di Tesero.

Alexei Kalievich Almoukov became the first Australian ever to claim a Winter Universiade medal with bronze in the 12.5km pursuit ©Pierre Teyssot/Trentino 2013 Universiade

























Ahead of the naturalised Aussie were two of his former countrymen as Aleksander Pechenkin and Sergei Kliachin took gold and silver respectively for Russia, who continue to rack up the medals here in Trentino with 10 gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze so far.

"At the very beginning I felt I wasn't skiing well, but I managed to relax and could go faster," said Pechenkin.

"The last lap was crucial; me and Kliachin helped each other to ensure a Russian victory.

"In the final sprint I could win and I can only be happy with this success."

There was also a one-two in the women's race but this time it was Polish athletes who occupied the top two places as the irrepressible Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak secured her second gold following her sprint race win yesterday.

It was the same two athletes who joined her on the podium with compatriot Monika Maria Hoinisz and Russian Tatiana Semenova taking silver and bronze again.

Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak of Poland secured her second biathlon gold medal at Trentino 2013 ©Pierre Teyssot/Trentino 2013 Universiade

























"I have been in good shape since the beginning of the season but today I felt a little bit tired," said Nowakowska-Ziemniak, who also has an individual silver to her name.

"Luckily I was ahead after yesterday's sprint and I could maintain this advantage.

"I don't know if I will take part in the mixed relay: we will decide this later.

"I would like to spend some time with my family and keep training for Sochi."

The line-up for the knockout stages for the men's and women's ice hockey competitions have been decided following the final group games today.

A 5-1 win over Slovakia and a 12-0 victory over Great Britain sees Russia and the Czech Republic set up a quarter-final clash on Wednesday (December 18) in the men's draw, while hosts Italy will take on the United States, Kazakhstan meet Latvia and Canada take on Slovakia.

On the women's side, Russia meet the US and Canada face Japan in the semi-finals on Wednesday also.

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