Chinese pairs shine at ISU Figure Skating Championships

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A pair of Chinese figure skaters scorched the ice in a balmy Anaheim, California for the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships on Friday.

China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong grabbed second place in the pairs competition of the premier Winter Sports event.

They were among the favorites to capture the title, and the Olympic silver medalists from the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games got off to a strong start in the short program.

Sui, who has recovered from an ankle injury, fell on a side-by-side triple toe loop. But still, the duo, taking part in their first international competition of this season, managed to score 74.19 points with their routine to the song "No One Like You."

Kirsten Moore-Towers and her partner Michael Marinaro of Canada, compete before getting the highest score during the Pairs Short Program during the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championship at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. /VCG Photo

However, Kirsten Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro of Canada edged Sui and Han for a narrow lead in the short program. Their routine to "The first time ever, I saw your face" earned a new personal best of 74.66 points, just 0.47 points ahead of the Chinese duo.

Another Chinese pair, Peng Cheng and Jin Yang performed to "Ophelia." The ISU Grand Prix Final silver medalists eventually scored 69.48 points to rank in the third place.