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Kim Lights Up Scoreboard

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 28, 2009

LOS ANGELES - Kim Yu-na practically sprinted through the short program and away from a strong field Friday at the World Figure Skating Championships.

With Coach Brian Orser mimicking her every move by the sideboards, the two-time Grand Prix champion from South Korea built a stunning 8.2-point lead over Canada's Joannie Rochette. Her 76.12 score was the best ever for a woman, and it had Orser doing his own sort of triple jump - three leaps in the air, arms held high - when she finished.

"I probably got a plus-3 on that," Orser said. "I can't help myself, I am so excited and so proud for her."

The 18-year-old Kim, whose previous best was a 72.24, covered her mouth and screamed when her monstrous number was posted. She earned it with huge jumps, precise spins, flowing spirals, superior presence and surpassing artistry.

And she did it all at breakneck speed.

"At a world championships, this stage brings out the best in the best," Orser said. "Yu-na was competitive, she was on the attack, she was very fierce and she knew what her job was. At the same time, she shared it with the audience."
Defending champion Mao Asada of Japan was third heading into today's free skate, with countrywoman and 2007 champion Miki Ando fourth.

They have a long way to go to even challenge Kim, while the Americans in the field almost certainly have too far to go to secure three spots in the Vancouver Olympics field. They need a combination finish equaling 13 or lower, but Rachael Flatt came in seventh Friday, and U.S. champion Alissa Czisny was 14th.

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