Charles Hamelin of Ste-Julie, Que., continued his strong season Saturday by winning the gold medal in the men's 1,000-metre race at this week's short-track speed skating World Cup event in Montreal.

"The crowd gives me a lot of energy here," said Hamelin, who picked up his seventh World Cup medal of the season. "My strategy was good, no Korean was able to beat me today. This gives me confidence in myself."

In the men's 1,500-metre, Olivier Jean of Lachenaie, Que., looked to have a shot at making the podium before falling with a few laps to go in the final. He finished the race, but was disqualified.

On the women's side, Ottawa's Ivanie Blondin was the only Canadian to reach a final. The 16-year-old finished fourth in the 1,500 for the second straight week.

In the 1,000, Kalyna Roberge of Ste-Étienne-de-Lauzon, Que., was disqualified after trying a risky pass against an all-Asian field in her semifinal heat.

"It's always tough behind the Koreans, and I have to start in front and stay there," said Roberge. "I had a good strategy for my race, but I made a mistake. This helps me gain more experience. I have to be careful not to come too much on the inside when I pass a skater."

Montreal's Amanda Overland and Quebec City's Anne Maltais were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

The day wrapped up with the relay semifinals, in which Canada managed to qualify first on the men's side and second on the women's.

The Montreal World Cup stop continues Sunday with the relay finals, as well as individual competition in the 500 and 1,500.