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World Watch

The contenders at the 2008 world figure skating championships

Last Updated Fri., March 14, 2008

Pj Kwong, CBC Sports

The preparations for the 2008 world figure skating championships in Gotheborg, Sweden, are almost complete and the stage is set for some of the best skating that has been seen in years.

If ever there was a world championship to watch, this one would be the one. In every discipline, the title is up for grabs. Ice dance and pairs do not have current defending world champions competing, while defending world women's and men's champions, Miki Ando of Japan and Brian Joubert of France, have both been defeated at different times during the season, leaving the door open for a number of possibilities.

After an exciting season, here are the big names you may want to watch out for:

Japan's Daisuke Takahashi (Associated Press)

Daisuke Takahashi, Men's

This has been a golden season for Japan's three-time men's champion. His confidence on the ice is almost palpable coupled with athleticism and an impressive arsenal, including two quad-toe elements and two triple axels in his free program. Although he came second at the ISU Grand Prix Final to Switzerland's Stephane Lambiel, it has been the only bump in an otherwise smooth ride this season.

From the modern hip-hop version of Swan Lake that was created for him for his short program to his very powerful interpretation of Romeo and Juliet his plan is to let nothing stop him from climbing to the top of the podium.

Korea's Yu-Na Kim (Associated Press)

Yu-Na Kim, Women's

Yu-Na Kim is responsible for winning the first ISU Championship ever for Korea at the world juniors in 2006. As if that weren't enough the very next year she was on the podium as the bronze medallist at worlds in 2007. What makes her unique is her consistency and "clean-ness" in her jumps. What makes her unforgettable is her doe-like grace, artistry and steely determination.

Although she missed the ISU Four Continents championships last month due to a back injury, she is said to have recovered and is looking to repeat her win from this year's ISU Grand Prix Final against rivals from Japan Mao Asada and the defending world champion, Miki Ando. Look for exquisite musical interpretation and technical accuracy in both her programs.

Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto (Associated Press)

Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, Ice dance

The veteran American ice dance team of Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto seem poised to take their first world title. The thing that has set ice dance apart from the other disciplines of late is the fact that the artistic vehicle for the skaters can make all of the difference. The truth is, all of the skaters at this level are at a superior technical ability including Belbin and Agosto so the use of traditional American country music for their original dance and a Chopin-inspired free dance has indeed set them apart. They have been close before and are banking on their wonderful unison and great sense of musicality to help them finally win gold.

Germany's Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy (Associated Press)

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy, Pairs

Germany's sole entry at the 2008 worlds in the pairs event is Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy, who have been virtually unstoppable this season. Along with back-to-back wins at the European championships, they also claimed the ISU Grand Prix Final title. If ever there was a team that maximized what they do well, it's this team. Their trademark athleticism, strength and speed in both their short and free programs has been used to its fullest advantage this season, compensating for the lack of connection between the skaters. Look for strong elements and confidence in their attempt to hit the top spot.

 

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