LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Two-time defending national champions Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman are the leaders in the pairs competition after Wednesday's short program at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Despite a fall by Zimmerman on a failed triple toe, the duo finished first with all nine judges.
Stephanie Kalesavich and Aaron Parchem, who finished fourth last year, are second heading into Friday night's final, which is worth two-thirds of the total score.
Tiffany Scott and Philip Dulebohn are third, followed by the brother-sister team of Danielle and Steve Hartsell, the 2000 champions.
This competition determines the two tandems that will represent the United States at next month's Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Three-time national champions Naomi Lang and Peter Tchernyshev lead after Wednesday's compulsory phase of the ice dancing competition. Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto are second.
The men's champion will be crowned Thursday night following the
free skate.
Veteran Todd Eldredge and defending champion Timothy Goebel tied
for the lead Tuesday after the short program. It is the first
tie for first place at the nationals in 11 years.
Matt Savoie is third, followed by Johnny Weir and two-time
national champion Michael Weiss. The top three skaters make the
Olympic team.
The women have their short program Thursday afternoon and their
free skate Saturday night.
