INZELL, Germany (Kyodo) Joji Kato placed second overall in the men's 500 meters at the world distance championships on Sunday.
Kato had a combined time of 1 minute, 9.42 seconds, finishing behind South Korea's Lee Kyou Hyuk. The former world record holder clocked 34.90 on his first attempt for fourth before registering 34.50 for second on his second run.
"I have been struggling lately, so I am satisfied with this result," Kato said.
"The top skater was too fast and I am disappointed but I gave it my full effort. I wanted to produce a result at this time when Japan is in turmoil," he said.