The 18th edition of the annual ‘Russian Winter’ tournament launched the world indoor athletic season on Sunday. The competition was held in the Russian capital and ended solidly for the home nation.

In the 300 metre sprint, 21-year-old Antonina Krivoshapka led a Russian sweep of the event. There are high hopes for the young sprinter.

Meanwhile, Beijing Olympics silver medalist Evgeniy Lukyanenko came close but just couldn’t reach as high as current season leader Reno Lavealenie from France.

The story of the day is reserved for Yuri Borzakovsky – the 2004 Athens gold medalist breaking the national mark in the men's 1000 metres final, but even that wasn’t enough to secure victory, as Kenyan Haron Keytani took the honour of first place.

“He was too fast as well as the heat was really fast, it helped me get my record. But the point is the one who won it was stronger,” said Borzakovsky.