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Wardrobe malfunction, world record mark Olympic ice dance

By Emily Pacenti
Gabriella Papadakis tries to hold her costume neck strap after it failed during her routine with partner Guillaume Cizneros of France during the ice dance short program Monday Gangneung, South Korea. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI
1 of 4 | Gabriella Papadakis tries to hold her costume neck strap after it failed during her routine with partner Guillaume Cizneros of France during the ice dance short program Monday Gangneung, South Korea. Photo by Richard Ellis/UPI | License Photo

Feb. 19 (UPI) -- A much anticipated face-off in Olympic ice dance finished Monday with Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir taking first place in the short dance -- and setting a new world record.

French duo Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron placed second after a "nightmare" wardrobe malfunction.

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Just seconds into their routine, the collar of Papadakis' dress came undone, briefly exposing one breast. She was left to skate the entire program with the risk of her top falling off entirely. The team carried on with grace and poise, but wobbled on a few elements and certainly had their confidence shaken by the wardrobe malfunction.

"It was my worst nightmare happening at the Olympics," Papadakis told reporters.

The malfunction was broadcast live on international television, including the moment of exposure. Papadakis left the interview zone in tears after the short dance, leaving her partner to field most questions.

"It is just frustrating to miss a few points because of a costume issue," Cizeron told the media after the short dance. "It is not what we get ready for when we train. I am still proud that we managed to pull out a program like that even with a difficulty like this."

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It wasn't the only wardrobe malfunction on Olympic ice so far. In the figure-skating team event, South Korea's Yura Min's top came undone mid-skate as well, but she was not exposed.

Papadakis and Cizeron still finished with a high score of 81.93 for second place.

Virtue and Moir, skating to a medley of "Sympathy for the Devil," "Oye Como Va," and "Hotel California," broke their own world record with a score of 83.67.

"We love to skate together and we love to play the characters that we're playing," Moir said. "After 20 years, if you don't have love for each other . . do you know what we've been through together?"

The Canadians are known for their artistry, which is especially apparent in their upcoming free dance set to selections from Moulin Rouge.

Americans Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue placed third.

The free dance begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time Monday.

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