Zuyeva’s time of 7 min 20.11sec was 0.88 better than that set by East Germany’s Andrea Ehrig-Mitscherlich - a seven-time Olympic medallist and two-time world champion - in March 1986.

Japan’s Nene Sakai was a distant runner-up to Zuyeva today, finishing 15.03sec off the pace.

Completing the top three was South Korea’s Lim Jungsoo, who was 28.98 back.

Victory for Zuyeva ensured her second gold medal of this year's Winter Universiade, having won the women's 3,000m title on Wednesday (February 1). 

"I am very glad with today's race," she said.

"Everything went as planned and I’m happy with result."

Also held today was the men’s 1,000m event as South Korea’s Minkyu Cha took top honours in 1:09.56 to add to his 500m gold.

The Netherlands’ Martijn Renier Van Oosten was leading until the penultimate pairing, but ultimately had to settle for silver in 1:10.12.

He also came second in yesterday's men's 1,500m event behind Russia's Kirill Golubev, who missed out on today's podium to Japan’s Ryu Kosaka - third in 1:10.58.

Visibility issues caused by misty conditions meant the competition was temporarily delayed around the midway point.

Speed skating action is due to continue tomorrow with the women's 1,000m and men's 10,000m events.