(XINHUA)

Liang Wenhao became the first Chinese short track speed skater to win a world title in seven years when he clinched the gold medal in the 500-meter race in 41.383 seconds at the Short Track Speed Skating World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, on March 20.

Liang, 17, entered the Chinese national team in May 2009. He made his debut in international competition last September. At this year's Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, in February, he finished sixth in the 1,500-meter event and 10th in the 1,000 meters, but was disqualified in the 500 meters.

Liang is the third Chinese male world champion skater.