Kwan leads in U.S. Championships

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Michelle Kwan skated a typically brilliant performance Thursday night in taking a step toward her ninth U.S. Figure Skating Championship.

Kwan, skating last among the 18th competitors in the short program phase of the competition, was placed first by all nine judges ahead of former U.S. Olympic team member Sasha Cohen.

Jennifer Kirk was third.

Kwan received perfect 6.0 marks from three of the judges for artistic impression.

The free skating portion of the event, which counts two-thirds of the final score, will be held Saturday.

Kwan has also won five world championship gold medals, but has never won an Olympic title.