Day 3

"I want the audience to rise to the sounds of Hatikva ["The Hope" - Israel's National Anthem]", said Roma to his mother in a telephone talk after yesterday's original dance, which extended the duo's lead over their immediate contenders, Russia's  National Championships runner-ups, Ekaterina Rubleva and Ivan Shefer. Roma had a good reason to check it out that it's not the winner's country's National Anthem but the International Students Union's anthem that is played at the award ceremony. He and Sasha stood at the top of the podium as they saw the flag of Israel rising above the stadium.

"I'm happy for them and for the strong skate they put out", said  the emotional Galit Chait shortly after the award ceremony. "Now it's time of hard work before the World Championships in Los Angeles, which are just a month away."

Sasha and Roman got 88.99 for their free dance accumulating a total score of 177.43 points.

Overall results:

http://app.harbin2009.org/wu24info/pdf/hy/0103992E.PDF

Day 2

Sasha and Roman Zaretsky have extended their lead over Russia's Ekaterina Rubleva and Ivan Shefer gaining 53.67 points for their original dance performed to the rhythms of the 20s, 30s, and 40s, and a total of 88.64 for the two competition segments so far. But the medals will be decided in tomorrow's free skate which begins 10.40 am GMT. Maxim Shipov finished 22nd  among the 33 contenders in the men's event with a total of 136.55 points.

Day 1

Sasha and Roman Zaretsky are leading after the Compulsory Dance segment with 34.77 points. They are followed by Russia's National silver medalists Ekaterina Rubleva and Ivan Shefer facing a head-to-head competition in tomorrow's Original Dance as only 0.3 points separates the leading two couples.

Maxim Shipov is 23d after the short programme, scoring 47.79 points before tomorrow's free skate. Alban Preaubert of France is in the lead with 66.35 points.

IISF President Boris Chait reports a warm welcome from the Chinese audience and event organizers. Cold weather outside (from -23 to -15 Celsius) has not prevented the viewers from packing a full stadium for the compulsory Paso Doble earlier today.