Asada holds slim lead over Ando

GOYANG, South Korea (Kyodo) Reigning national champion Mao Asada and world champion Miki Ando occupied the top two spots after the women's short program of the ISU Four Continents Championships on Thursday.

Mao Asada performs during Thursday's short program of the ISU Four Continents Championships in Goyang, South Korea. Asada is in first place, 0.87 points ahead of compatriot Miki Ando, the reigning world champion. KYODO PHOTO

Asada more than offset errors on jumps, including a shaky triple jump landing, with her overall presentation on the ice as she collected 60.94 points to take the lead over Ando by 0.87 point.

Like Asada, Ando was adjudged to have reduced her scheduled triple-triple combination jump to a triple-double in an otherwise solid routine. Canadian Joannie Rochette followed in third with 60.04, while three-time Four Continents winner Fumie Suguri was ninth with 50.24.

"I moved toward my left on a triple lutz but I'm relieved that I didn't fall," Asada said.

"I think it was a fairly good performance despite those errors on jumps and I was able to make a solid start. Whether I can execute a triple axel in the free skate is the key to winning this competition."

Ando said she is happy with her placing after a program she performed while complaining of constant headaches.

"The treatment I had for the headaches didn't work but it's good to skate this well without making a big mistake," Ando said, adding she will attempt a quadruple jump in the long program.