China's Zhao back beaming after injury
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-12 09:23

TURIN, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Six months ago, former pairs world champion Zhao Hongbo ruptured his Achilles tendon. Two weeks ago, the Chinese skater landed his first triple jump since the injury. On Saturday, he returned to the Olympics beaming.

"My power is not sufficient but I'm so happy to have got out there and competed," Zhao said after performing the short programme with partner Shen Xue.

In fact, it was Shen who landed badly on their triple toe loop, touching the ice with her hand as she came down.

"It was a surprise to me because I seldom make mistakes on my jumps but my mind was worried about him. When I was injured it was him who made the mistake. It's hard," said Shen, 27.

Zhao and Shen won the world championships in 2002 and 2003 and took bronze at the Salt Lake City Games but their routine on Saturday earned 62.32, well short of their personal best.

"I did think about the injury a little bit before the jump but generally speaking I think I did a good job. I was confident," said Zhao, 32.

"Now I'll try my best in the free programme. I mustn't think too much about the result but just enjoy the Games," he added.

The pairs perform their free programmes on Monday.