Saturday, February 19, 2011

Takahashi takes men's gold in figure skating championships

Taipei, Feb. 19 (CNA) Japan's Daisuke Takahashi scored his personal best in the men's free skating program to win the gold in men's competition at the 2011 Four Continent Figure Skating Championships in Taipei Saturday night

The 2010 world champion had 160.51 points in the free skating program and a total of 244 points, well ahead of silver medalist Yuzuru Hanyu's 228.01 points and American Jeremy Abbott's 225.71 points.

Takahashi said he made some small mistakes Saturday night but was able to win gold thanks to the margin he built up in Friday's short program.

Because of the similarity between Taiwan and Japan, he added, he felt comfortable competing in Taipei.

Earlier in the day, Japan's Miki Ando finished first in the ladies' short program with 66.58 points, followed by compatriot Mao Asada's 63.41 and American skater Rachael Flatt's 62.23. The free skating program will take place Sunday to conclude the championships.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the United States won the Ice Dancing category Friday as Canadian contenders Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir withdrew from the free skating program, citing injury.

Qing Pang and Jian Tong of China won their fifth pairs title in the championship the same day.

The championships, sanctioned by the International Skating Union (ISU) , are being held in Taiwan for the first time with free admission for spectators in order to promote winter sports in Taiwan. (By Chris Wang) enditem/ls