Miku Asano won over the shortest distance in the sport in the women's event with a time of 39.48sec in the Belarus capital.

It proved to be a 1-2 for Japan at the Minsk Arena as Rio Yamada came home for the silver medal, clocking 39.61.

Poland won bronze as Kaja Ziomek finished in 39.86 to add to her second-place finish from the team sprint event yesterday.

"I didn't worry before the race," said Asano.

"I went on ice calmly and confidently.

"I'm not satisfied with the result fully, usually I show a better time. 

"I'm glad to take part in the Championship. 

"Belarus is a very hospitable country."

In the men's event, Japanese success continued as Tatsuya Shinhama sped home to triumph in 34.93.

That denied Belarus a home gold as their skater Ignat Golovatsiuk stopped the watches at 35.58 for silver.

Bronze was collected by Artyom Krikunov of Kazakhstan in 35.84.