Share this story!            

FIGURE SKATING: Russia’s Slutskaya wins Cup of China

BEIJING: Russia’s Irina Slutskaya won the women’s portion of the Cup of China on Saturday with a crowd-pleasing comeback performance after an extended break due to illness.

Slutskaya had the crowd cheering from start to finish as she piled on triple jumps and acrobatic spins. Even before the scores were posted, spectators knew they had just watched the winning routine – especially since she had already won the short program Thursday. “I fight with my illness, and I feel pretty good right now,” Slutskaya said, adding she was “so happy” about her win, since it was a long time coming.

The Olympic silver medalist and 2002 world champion has been hampered the past two seasons by ailments including vasculitis, which can cause major vascular organs to deteriorate. She missed almost all of last season, though she entered the world championships and finished ninth. In second place was fellow Russian Viktoria Volchkova, who also skated a near flawless performance. Canada’s Joanne Rochette vaulted to a third-place finish after placing fifth in the short program, thanks to a confident and energetic performance.

In the ice-dancing, Americans Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto held on to their commanding lead from the preliminary events to finish first – rousing the crowd with a feisty routine with a Gypsy theme. Israel’s Galit Chait and Sergei Sakhnovski took second with a technically dazzling performance of fast spins and big lifts, and Canada’s Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon took third. The men’s competitions was to conclude later Saturday. The Cup of China is the fourth event in a six-stage series culminating with the Grand Prix finals. ap

Home | Sport

Share this story!