Oda takes lead in Cup of China

BEIJING (Kyodo) Nobunari Oda got off to a flying start in his bid for a second consecutive title on Friday after grabbing the lead in the men's short program at the Cup of China, the third event of the Grand Prix series.

Oda, who won the season-opening Trophee Bompard earlier this month, scored 83.35 points to take pole position ahead of Saturday's free skate.

He nailed all of his jumps, including a triple axel, in a near-flawless performance. Sergei Voronov of Russia came second with 81.40, while reigning world champion Evan Lysacek of the United States trailed in third after collecting 80.80 points.

Sixteen-year-old American Mirai Nagasu, whose parents are Japanese, took the lead after the women's short program with 62.20 points. Nagasu took first in the U.S. national championships in 2008.

Akiko Suzuki and Fumie Suguri came fourth and sixth, with scores of 59.52 and 55.46, respectively. Joannie Rochette, the world silver medalist in 2008, was back in seventh.