As Kwan eyes ninth crown, Belbin and Agosto lead ice dance

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2005

PORTLAND, United States (AFP) — Michelle Kwan will seek a record-tying ninth ladies' title at the 2005 US Figure Skating Championships, which kicked off with the ice dance compulsory dance.

Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, who have risen to the top of the international ice dance standings with two Grand Prix victories and a runner-up finish at the Grand Prix Final, easily won the first phase of ice dance, earning first-place marks from all the judges including one 6.0 for timing and expression.

"We felt very confident coming into this competition," Agosto said. "We've been competing a lot so far this season. We feel very comfortable with our programmes."

Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov were second after the compulsory dance, while the new team of Tiffany...