Lysacek edges Weir in short program

HARBIN, China - Evan Lysacek edged Johnny Weir in a duel between the current and former American champions in the men's short program in the Cup of China on Friday.

Lysacek, a 22-year-old Naperville native and Neuqua Valley High School graduate, was second at Skate America two weeks ago but improved Friday by nearly 13 points over his short program performance with a routine to music from Zorro films. It included a quad-triple in addition to two other triple jumps. On the quad, though, he needed to put his hand down to keep his balance.

"It felt much stronger today than at my first Grand Prix Skate America. It's a good sign that I'm taking positive steps forward toward the later part of the season," Lysacek said.

Lysacek scored 81.55 points while Weir was at 79.90.

Weir had only a triple lutz-triple toe loop for his combination, but his spins were rated a bit higher in his performance to "Yunona and Avos," a Russian rock opera.

Weir took the national title from 2004 to 2006 before Lysacek won it in January.

Former two-time world champion Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland was a distant third as he was making his competitive debut this season.

In the ice dance, Russians Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin continued to lead four-time U.S. champions and 2006 Olympic silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto of the United States. The Russians have a 100.97-96.70 margin entering the free dance.

Former world champions Pang Qing and Tong Jian of China took the pairs competition easily with a score of 176.75 points. They had trouble on their opening two jumps but straightened out after that.

Americans Keauna McLaughlin and Rockne Brubaker, making their international senior debut, were second with 154.66 although they had falls in their free routine on a triple salchow jump and a throw triple salchow and bailed out of a lift.

The meet concludes Saturday with finals in three events.