Canadian speed skater Ted-Jan Bloemen claimed silver in the men's 10,000 metres to open the world single distance championship in Russia on Thursday. 

The world record holder from Calgary finished in 12 minutes, 59.69 seconds, which was nearly three seconds behind Dutch skater Sven Kramer.

Bronze went to a second Dutch skater, Erik Jan Kooiman, who was 5.38 seconds off Kramer's time.

It is Kramer's 16th career gold medal at the championships but the first in the 10,000m since 2009 for the Dutch skater, who is widely regarded as among the sport's all-time greats.

The championships continue Thursday with the women's 3,000m.

With files from The Associated Press