BERLIN - American Olympic champion Shani Davis narrowly lost to Stefan Groothuis of the Netherlands today in the opening 1,000-meter race of the World Cup season.

Groothuis finished in 1 minute, 9.13 seconds, 0.20 ahead of Davis. Simon Kuipers of the Netherlands was third in 1:09.30.

Christine Nesbitt of Canada won the women's 1,000 in the absence of world champion Anni Friesinger of Germany, who had knee surgery and won't race until December.

Nesbitt won in 1:16.86, ahead of teammate Shannon Rempel in 1:17.11. Laurine van Riessen of the Netherlands was third in 1:17.21.