Figure Skating
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 Friday, January 14
U.S. team defeats World team at Keri Lotion Figure Skating Challenge
 
Associated Press

 KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Sarah Hughes and Micheal Weiss brought a sold-out crowd to its feet with near-flawless routines to lead the United States to a 10-8 victory over the World Team at the Keri Lotion USA vs. the World Figure Skating Challenge.

Hughes, 14, twirled to 5.7 to 5.8 marks on skating technique and 5.6 to 5.9 marks on her presentation that involved jumps, leaps, and sprials at the Tri-Cities Coliseum.

Sarah Hughes
Sarah Hughes helped lead the U.S. team to victory.

Weiss received marks in the 5.6-5.8 range in technique and 5.7-5.8 on his presentation.

Each of the competitiors was judged by officials from the United States, Australia, Russia, Canada and Italy.

"I was really happy with my performance tonight," Hughes said. "I love performing and hope that I am able to do so as long as possible."

Said Weiss: "It was really fun out there tonight. This was a really great crowd and it was great to see them get involved."

Figure skating legend Dorothy Hamill, who received a standing ovation as well, agreed with her younger rivals.

"I love the event and enjoy participating in it," she said. "Based on what you saw tonight, you can expect to see a lot of talent in skating for years to come."

Men skating for the World Team included Elvis Stojkjo of Canada, who earned 5.8 marks across the board in both catergories, and Victor Petrenko of Ukraine, who received marks from 5.4-5.8 in technique and 5.6-5.8 in presentation.

Kurt Browning of Canada earned four 5.6 marks and a 5.7 in technique as well as four 5.8s and a 5.9 in presentation.

Women skating for the World Team included Canadian Liz Manley, whose performance earned her 5.5-5.7 marks in technique and 5.6-5.8 marks in presentation.

Lu Chen of China earned marks ranging from 5.4-5.6 in technique and 5.4-5.7 marks in presentation, and France's Surya Bonaly earned all 5.8 marks in her presentation and four 5.7's and one 5.8 mark in technique.

Men skating for the United States included Timothy Gobel, who earned 5.6's and 5.7's on his technique and 5.5-5.7's on presentation, and Todd Eldredge, who received four 5.8's and one 5.7 in technique and marks ranging from 5.7-5.9 for presentation.

Hamill earned 5.4-5.6 marks for her technique and 5.5-5.8 marks for her presentation, while Michelle Kwan received all 5.9's on both of her routines except for one 5.8 on each.
 


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AUDIO/VIDEO
 Sarah Hughes on the ice (Courtesy: ABC Sports)
RealVideo: 56.6