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Triumphant return for popular skating pair

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-02 09:03

A standing ovation, a shower of stuffed toys and, most importantly, gold medals welcomed Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo back to the competitive fray at the ISU Figure Skating Cup of China on Saturday night.

Shen Xue (top) and Zhao Hongbo of China perform in the pairs free skating during the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2009/2010 in Beijing on Saturday. Shen and Zhao won the gold medal. [China Daily]

Having been absent from the national team and international competition for more than two years, the three-time world champion duo declared its return to high-level competition with a solid win in its comeback event at the weekend, earning a total score of 200.97 points, which was almost 15 more than compatriots and reigning world silver medalists Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao.

The two Zhangs, who finished a disappointing fourth after Friday's short program, were near flawless on Saturday, sealing the runners-up prize with 124.57 points in free skating and 186.49 in total.

The Cup of China is the third stop of the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix this season.

"Today is a happy return. I am thrilled about our performance," said the 36-year-old Zhao after the victory. "More than 200 points is a surprise for us. Although there are some technical details we still need to work on, I think we will be OK."

When the husband-and-wife team took to the ice, the crowd greeted them with loud applause. Skating to the music of "Adagio in G Minor" by Tomaso Albinoni in the free skate, the couple showcased their power and passion with huge triple twists, high throws and difficult lifts from innovative positions.

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Although they made some mistakes in their jumps at the start, they gained confidence as the program progressed. At the end of the routine they hugged each other and smiles lit up their faces.

"We are very happy today, since the competition is a test of our training since May," said Zhao. "The free skating is a love story and we had to tell the story while finishing all the technical elements, which is a challenge. We still have to improve on some technical elements."

Shen said: "We didn't get any points on our pair spin, we underotated it. We could have had a higher score if not for that mistake."

Shen and Zhao bid farewell to competition after winning their third world title in 2007. But the two-time Olympic bronze medalists have decided to try one final time for that elusive gold medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics next February.

"Our goal is the Olympics," Zhao said. "We will try to reach our goal step by step by doing well in every event before the Olympics."

"Our love of figure skating is the main reason for our comeback. Being able to stand on the ice again is a special kind of happiness," said Shen, who will turn to 31 next week.

"We hope we can remain healthy and simply enjoy the competition."

Their coach, Yao Bin, was also happy with their successful return.

"They had reigned the ice rink from the very beginning," said Yao, head coach of the national team.

"Although they have been absent from competition for two seasons, they still have the right feeling and grew more comfortable on the ice as the routine progressed. The result showed their return has gained the approval of the judges. I believe at the Games they could regain 90 percent of their peak form."

The pair will take part in its next competition in Lake Placid, the US, from Nov 12-15.