Pyeongchang, South Korea - Russia clinched gold in the women's 4 x 6-kilometre relay at the biathlon world championships in Pyeongchang on Saturday.

The Russian team of Svetlana Sleptsova, Anna Boulygina, Olga Medvedzeva and Olga Zaitseva clocked 1 hour 13 minutes 12.9 seconds without any penalties to beat Germany by 1:15.1, with France third, 1:27.5 behind the Russian team.

Russia's accuracy on the shooting range was decisive and Zaitseva was able to cross the line triumphantly carrying the Russian flag in a comfortable victory.

Pyeongchang, South Korea - Austria claimed a one-two at the biathlon world championships when Dominik Landertinger stormed to victory followed by compatriot Christoph Sumann in the men's 15-kilometre mass start race in Pyeongchang.

Landertinger clocked 38 minutes 32.5 seconds after three shooting errors to beat Sumann, who also had three errors, by 8.9 seconds.

It was the first individual gold for Austria at a world championships since Oslo 2000.

"I am speechless - I can't believe it," Landertinger said. "This is a dream come true for me."

Seoul  - Shares fell sharply Friday on the

Seoul  - The top diplomats of the United States and South Korea urged North Korea Friday to end its threats toward Seoul and unconditionally return to the negotiating table.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung Hwan said after meeting in Seoul that their countries would in no way accept a nuclear-armed North Korea, according to a statement released by South Korea's Foreign Ministry.

Clinton called North Korea's "war of words" "provocative and unhelpful" and urged it to engage with South Korea while also announcing the appointment by US President Barack Obama of his top negotiator with North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, a former US ambassador to South Korea.

Seoul  - North Korea's military upped its threats against South Korea Thursday, saying it was prepared for "an all-out confrontation" with its neighbour.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency carried the military spokesman's remarks the same day US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was to arrive in South Korea on a visit that was to focus on efforts to end the North's nuclear weapons programme.

Seoul  - Do you need something to refresh your mind and body? If you live in the hustle and bustle of the South Korean capital, Seoul, this may be the time to warm up and go out for a walk along the river bank.

A one or three-hour stroll along the Yangjae River becomes a pleasant experience during which you can enjoy nature, ride a bike, walk your dog or indulge in conversation or romance.

Defying the reputation of Seoul as a city of dynamism and speed with its population of 10 million, the Yangjae River flows slowly at the heart of the city's most affluent southern district of business and commerce.

The river and its surroundings in the city centre are an unlikely hub of bio-friendliness.