This event is very much a showdown between two historical rivals, Japan and South Korea. Skating for Korea is Yu-na Kim. The 19-year-old is undoubtedly the most high-profile celebrity in her home country, routinely escorted by half-a-dozen security guards to protect her from mobs of hysteric fans. Kim opened this season with a statement: she won the Trophee Eric Bompard in Paris with the highest-ever women's total score of 210.03 points. She's only lost twice on the World Cup circuit in the last two seasons. Both times it was to Japanese rival Mao Asada.

The 19-year-old Asada, who trained briefly with Kim when they were younger, is carrying Japan's gold hopes. Like Kim, Asada has mega-celebrity status back home (fans recognize her on the radio by her voice alone). She hasn't had the level of success that Kim has had, but it should still be a close race.

Miki Ando is another Japanese hopeful. The 2007 World Champion, she's ranked seventh in the world. Ando could very well join Kim and Asada on the podium considering that, between the three of them, they have won seven of nine podium spots in the last three World Championships.

1. Yu-na Kim, South Korea, 4360 pts

2. Carolina Kostner, Italy, 4195 pts

3. Mao Asada, Japan, 3779 pts

4. Laura Lepisto, Finland, 3585 pts

5. Joannie Rochette, Canada, 3539 pts

Canada's best hope to reach the podium is Joannie Rochette. Rochette is facing a lot of pressure because Canada has not reached the women's podium in 22 years. She is also still reeling from the loss of her mother, who died of a heart attack shortly after arriving in Vancouver to watch her daughter in the Games.

Carolina Kostner is the European champion and currently ranked second in the world. She doesn't have the level of hyper stardom that Kim and Asada have, but has warned she is ready to challenge the seemingly insurtmountable Asian pair.