Germany's Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy launch their Grand Prix season at Skate America this week, seeking to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in pairs figure skating.
The couple, who are two-time world and three-time European champions, faltered last season when it mattered most, settling for bronze at the Olympics and silver at both the worlds and Europeans.
Their biggest rivals will likely be China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, who arrive in Portland for the fourth stop in the International Skating Union figure skating Grand Prix series after finishing second in the Cup of China behind compatriots Pang Qing and Tong Jian.
Sui and Han, the reigning junior world champions, boast a throw quadruple Salchow that should put them in podium position if she can avoid double-footing the landing.
The pairs field also includes rising young Canadians Kirsten Moore-Towers and Dylan Moscovitch, who took silver at Skate Canada two weeks ago.
Skate America, which will be held this year at Portland's Rose Garden arena, is the fourth of six stops on the Grand Prix circuit. Skaters can compete in two events in the series, and the top points earners in each category qualify for the Grand Prix Final in Beijing in December. |
提升卡
置顶卡
沉默卡
喧嚣卡
变色卡
抢沙发
千斤顶
显身卡
楼主
