Figure skating-Slutskaya extends lead at worlds

Although there were a couple of errors in her routine to Shostakovich's Tango, she ended the day almost three points ahead of second-placed Sasha Cohen of the United States.

"I'm satisfied but it is harder for me to skate in Russia because I'm Russian. I feel the pressure," said Slutskaya, who sends the Moscow crowd into noisy raptures and is showered with soft toys and flowers at the end of her performances.

Last year's silver medallist Sasha Cohen held onto the second place she earned in Wednesday's qualifying round but said she could have done better in her spiral when she almost tripped over. She also received a deduction for a time violation.

"I let some very silly mistakes creep in that cost me some points," she told reporters. "I believe I can do better and I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Five-time world champion Michelle Kwan made up some of the ground she lost in the qualifying round, landing all her jumps to move up to fifth place from seventh, although she still looked some way off her best.

"I have a lot to pick up before the long programme," said the American.


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Italy's Carolina Kostner moved into third place from fifth with her well-choreographed and bubbly interpretation of a selection of music by Michael Hoppe.

"I am very happy with my performance and had a lot of fun on the ice," Kostner told reporters.

Defending champion Shizuka Arakawa of Japan said nerves had got the better of her as a mistake on her flip helped keep her down in sixth place.

"I was very nervous today, I wanted to show my best," she said. "I was worrying about my jumps for a few days."

Last year's world junior champion Miki Ando continued to shine at senior level, providing a lively routine full of solid jumps that put her in fourth position.

"I had good speed but the spins weren't as good as usual because I was tired," said the Japnese skater.

Last year's European champion, Hungarian Julia Sebestyen, struggled to find her form because of illness, taking an early tumble and sliding out of medal contention.

"Now I am very sick (with flu) and I have to fight all the way through," she said.

The medals will be decided after Saturday's free skate.

Source: Reuters