Abbott Golden in China

Jeremy Abbott won his first medal on the Grand Prix circuit, a gold at Cup of China. Abbott scored a big victory with a competition mark of 233.44 points, to U.S. teammate Stephen Carriere's 217.25. Tomáš Verner of the Czech Republic pulled up from fourth to capture the bronze medal. International Figure Skating was at the competition and has exclusive coverage here. 

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Grand Prix Series Update

Yu-Na Kim won her second gold medal at Cup of China. She also claimed gold at Skate America. Meanwhile, Joannie Rochette came up big at Skate Canada, where she mined gold. It was a successful event for the Canadians - her teammate Patrick Chan won the men's title.

Go to our news forum for all the latest from the Grand Prix Series.

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Exclusive Photo Collages

Ben Agosto was happy enough to let out a laugh in the kiss and cry at Cup of China. Yu-Na Kim and her coach Brian Orser were more than pleased when her scores came up. Tomáš Verner went through a whole range of emotions as he waited for his marks in the kiss and cry. Meanwhile the rink was filled with banners for the fan favorites. IFS photo and senior editor Susan D. Russell captured it all, and you can see our exclusive images here.

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Nancy Kerrigan Honored

The Ice Theatre of New York hosted a performance and benefit gala in honor of two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan on Oct. 27. "I stood on the podiums alone, but I was never ever alone," Kerrigan told the assembled guests as she thanked her coaches, family and friends. "Someone was always taking care of my skating and believed so much in me."

The festivities included a performance by the Ice Theatre ensemble and guest stars at Sky Rink, followed by cocktails and dinner at The Lighthouse. Kerrigan's friend and fellow Olympian, Paul Wylie, was the emcee. Check out the next issue of International Figure Skating magazine to see our coverage of this event.

Daisuke Takahashi Injured

Daisuke Takahashi withdrew from Cup of China last week after he injured his right knee on Oct 31 during a practice session. The Japanese media is speculating that his injury may be a ligament tear. The 22-year-old Takahashi was expected to undergo tests last week. Local news agencies have also reported that Takahashi cannot put any pressure on the injured leg and may miss the entire season.

Brooke Castile and Ben Okolski Sidelined

U.S. pairs team Brooke Castile and Ben Okolski also pulled out of Cup of China, which was the third leg of the International Skating Union Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. Castile fell during practice in late October while attempting a triple split twist, suffering a severe contusion to her right heel. "We are hoping with rest and therapy she will be ready to go for Russia," Johnny Johns, the team's longtime coach, said. The pair is scheduled to compete Nov. 20-23 at the Cup of Russia in Moscow.

Castile and Okolski withdrew from both of their Grand Prix Series events last season, also because of an injury to Castile's foot. They came back to win the bronze at both the 2008 U.S. Championships and the Four Continents Championships.

Figure Skater For Sale

Figure skating is an expensive sport. Just ask Canadian Vaughn Chipeur, who is hoping to woo some potential sponsors at a fundraising gala, set for this Saturday at Calgary's Jimmie Condon Arena. The 2010 Olympic hopeful is determined to charm the Calgary business community into supporting his quest. The show features 2002 Olympic pairs gold medalists Jamie Sale and David Pelletier.

Chipeur is not eligible, thus far, for the $130 million in Own the Podium funding that is targeted at Canada's best medal hopes for 2010. As a carded athlete, he earns $10,000 a year in Sport Canada funding, according to an article in the Calgary Herald. The story's best quote: "And they're going to auction off my various body parts," Chipeur said.  "That way, people can contribute in any way they can."

Upcoming Calendar of Events

·  ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating - Trophée Eric Bompard: Nov 13-16 Nov; Paris, France

·  ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating - Cup of Russia: Nov. 20-23; Moscow, Russia

·  ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating - NHK Trophy:  Nov 27-30; Tokyo, Japan

·  ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final (combined junior and senior events - Dec. 10-14; Goyang City, Republic of Korea

Upcoming TV Schedule

USA
Nov. 2, 4-6 P.M., NBC: "Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute on Ice"
Nov. 8, 4-6 P.M., NBC: "Kristi Yamaguchi Friends & Family"
Nov. 16, 4-6 P.M., NBC: "McDonald's Family Tribute on Ice"
10 A.M.-Noon, Style: "Kristi Yamaguchi Friends & Family"
Nov. 20, 10-11A.M., Style: "McDonald's Family Tribute on Ice"
Nov. 21, 3-5 P.M., Style: "Kristi Yamaguchi Friends & Family"
Nov. 23, 4-5 P.M., Style: "McDonald's Family Tribute on Ice"
Nov. 30, 10-11 A.M., Style: "Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute on Ice", 4-6 P.M., NBC:  "Holiday Celebration on Ice"

Dec. 5, 2-3 P.M., Style: "Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute on Ice"
Dec. 8, 10-11A.M., Style: "McDonald's Family Tribute on Ice"
Dec. 13, 10-11 A.M., Style: "Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute on Ice"
Dec. 21, 10-11 A.M., Style: "Holiday Celebration on Ice"
Dec. 22, 4-5 P.M., Style: "Holiday Celebration on Ice"
Dec. 24, 2-3 P.M., Style: "Holiday Celebration on Ice"
Dec. 25, 3-5 P.M., NBC: "Hot Ice Cool Sounds"
Dec. 28, 10-11 A.M., Style: "Hot Ice Cool Sounds"
Dec. 29, 4-5 P.M., Style: "Hot Ice Cool Sounds"
Dec. 31, 9-10 A.M., Style: "Hot Ice Cool Sounds"

Jan. 1, 4-6 P.M., NBC: "Brian Boitano Skating Spectacular"
Jan. 4, 4-6 P.M., NBC: Stars on Ice
Jan. 18, 4-6 P.M., NBC: "Skating & Gymnastics Spectacular"
Jan. 24, 3-6 P.M., NBC: U.S. Figure Skating Championships (Dance and Pairs Final)
9-11 P.M., NBC:  U.S. Figure Skating Championships (Ladies Final)
Jan. 25, 4-6 P.M., NBC: U.S. Figure Skating Championships (Men's Final)
Jan. 31, 2:30-4:30 P.M., NBC: U.S. Figure Skating Championships (Skating Spectacular)

Feb. 7, 4-6 P.M., NBC: "Skate for the Heart"
Feb. 8, 10-11 A.M., Style:  "Skate for the Heart"
Feb. 10, 4-5 P.M., Style:  "Skate for the Heart"
Feb. 13, 10-11 A.M., Style: "Skate for the Heart"

Mar. 25, 4:30-6:30 P.M., Oxygen: World Figure Skating Championships
6:30-8:30 P.M. (Live), Oxygen: World Figure Skating Championships
Mar. 26, Midnight-2 A.M. (Live), Oxygen: World Figure Skating Championships
11 P.M.-2 A.M. (Live), Oxygen:  World Figure Skating Championships
Mar. 27, 4:30-6:30 P.M., Oxygen:  World Figure Skating Championships
6:30-8:30 P.M. (Live), Oxygen:  World Figure Skating Championships
Mar. 28, Midnight-2 A.M. (Live), Oxygen: World Figure Skating Championships
9-11 P.M. (Live), NBC:  World Figure Skating Championships

CANADA
Nov. 22, 1 P.M. (ET), CBC:  Cup of China
Nov. 29, 1 P.M. (ET), CBC:  Trophée Eric Bompard Cachemire

Dec. 13, 3 P.M. (ET), CBC:  Cup of Russia
Dec. 20, 3 P.M. (ET), CBC:  NHK Trophy
Dec. 27, 2 P.M. (ET), CBC:  Grand Prix Final

Thanks for your time. See you next month.
Susan Wessling,  Editor, International Figure Skating magazine
*NOTE: NEW ADDRESS* 85 Quincy Ave, Suite B
Quincy, MA 02169
617-706-9110
617-536-0102 (fax)
 
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