Defending world champion Karin Kania of East...

Defending world champion Karin Kania of East Germany skated to victory in the 500 meters and placed second at 3,000 meters to lead after the first day of the World Speed Skating Championships for women at Milwaukee.

Kania, shooting for her fourth world all-around championship, won the 500 meters in 41.38 seconds and then finished second to East German teammate Andrea Ehrig in the 3,000 meters at the Wisconsin Olympic Ice Rink. Ehrig, the 1985 world champion, posted a 4:30.10 time in the 3,000 meters. Kania was second with a 4:32.16.

Kania, who holds the world record in the 500 meters at 39.52 seconds, had a composite score of 86.74 points after two events, with the 1,500 meters and 5,000 meters scheduled today.