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| China's two-time world champions Shen Xue and
Zhao Hongbo skated to a convincing lead after the pairs short programme in
the Cup of China figure kating competition, the fourth leg
of the six-round ISU Grand Prix series.
[Xinhua] |
China's two-time world champions Shen Xue and Zhao
Hongbo skated to a convincing lead after the pairs short program in the
Cup of China figure skating
competition, the fourth leg of the six-round
ISU Grand Prix series.
China's Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao, fresh from their victory in Skate
America last month, are sitting second ahead of the free skating final.
Russia's former world champion Irina Slutskaya topped the ladies'
singles short programme, while in the ice
dancing category, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto of the
United States took the lead.
Shen and Zhao, who won the world pairs titles in 2002 and 2003,
delighted the 1,000 home fans with a smooth programme which included their
trademark high-flying twists and whirling lifts.
Despite Shen's one-hand landing during the throw triple loop, the pair
earned a total of 66.38 for their routine to Debussy's "Claire de Lune".
"The error was totally accidental. We never failed in practice after we
returned from Skate Canada," said Zhao, referring to Shen's slip.
 The Zhangs short programme featured a high double twist as well
as a huge throw triple loop and a difficult Lasso lift to the music of
"All Alone" which earned them the highest technical mark but second overall with
62.28.
"We performed well today," said Zhang Hao. "We feel strong support from
the home spectators. We should thank them a lot."
Slutskaya, the 2002 world champion, staged an impressive comeback from
a one-year break to lead the women's event with 62.96, ahead of fellow
Russian Viktoria Volchkova, 53.16, and American Angela Nikodinov third on
49.82.
"I was happy with the competition today, although I made a couple of
mistakes," said the 25-year-old Slutskaya. "You will see what will happen
in free skating."
Skate America champions Belbin and Agosto, put on a smooth performance
to take the ice dancing lead on the first day with 40.07 points ahead of Canada's Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice
Lauzon.
(Agencies) | 
Updated: 2004-11-12 09:46