Cup of China offers gala for local fans

Led by local favorites Pang Qing and Tong Jian, some of the world's elite figure skaters will compete in the Cup of China, the third stop of the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix, in Beijing from Nov 5-7.

Beijing will host the event for the seventh time, with this year's edition boasting upwards of 60 skaters from 12 countries and regions.

Heading the men's singles competition are former world champion Brian Joubert of France, 2008 European champion Tomas Verner of the Czech Republic and 2008 Grand Prix Finals runner-up Takahiko Kozuka of Japan. The women's singles pool includes 2007 world champion Miki Ando of Japan, compatriot and 2009 Grand Prix Finals bronze medalist Akiko Suzuki, and 2009 world junior champion Alena Leonova of Russia.