Kim eyes Asada as rivals share first practice
By Emmeline Moore (AFP) – 45 minutes ago
VANCOUVER — Olympic favourite Kim Yu-Na cast an eye over at Japanese rival Mao Asada as the two gold-medal hopefuls shared the ice for the first time at the Pacific Coliseum on Monday.
Wearing black leggings and top, Kim, 19, confidently ran through her free skate to Gershwin's Concerto in F, landed triple-triple jumps, and also did sections from her James Bond short programme for Tuesday night during a 35-minute training session.
She had earlier watched as Asada, wearing her pink free skate costume, presented her Rachmaninov "Bells of Moscow" routine, in which the 19-year-old landed the difficult triple axel jump.
Kim -- who has lost just twice in the past two seasons, both times to Asada, at the 2008 worlds and the 2008-2009 Grand Prix final -- skated just after the Japanese star.
By contrast Asada skated around the edge of the rink with her gaze averted when the Korean performed.
"When you're on the ice I think it's human to take a glance over," said Kim's coach Brian Orser.
He said that world champion Kim was feeling at home on the ice.
"With each day she becomes more confident," said the Canadian coach.
"Today was a turning point. I was proud of her that she took command of the practice.
"The Olympics is different from every other competition in the planet. Having confidence in what you do on the ice helps."
Orser said that Kim was doing her best to deal with the pressure to bring home South Korea's first figure skating gold, and first ever title outside short-track and long-track.
"I felt relief when South Korea took their first gold medal (of the Vancouver Games)," he said.
"I don't think she paid too much attention. She was proud but the pressure is off her to be the one and only."
The five-skater practice group also included Japan's Akiko Suzuki, Finn Laura Lepisto and Alena Leonova of Russia.
Grieving Canadian Joannie Rochette later put her personal sadness to one side as she once again practiced, showing her determination to compete despite the tragic death of her mother Therese on Sunday.
"I saw Joannie like she usually is before competition," said Skate Canada president Benoit Lavoie.
"All the levels and spins were there and there was no hesitation. It's her decision, but at this point it's looking pretty good.
"We are ready for any situation. She may decide a minute beforehand she won't skate."
:thumbsup:
I feel so sorry. Brave girl to skate but she did seem really sad.
