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And so it begins: Eight days of grace, drama

Jeff Bunch  •  Staff writer
Published January 21, 2007

More information Find venue maps, the shuttle route and event and TV schedules.

Now that the U.S. Figure Skating Championships have landed in Spokane, the focus shifts to whether some high-profile skaters can land some highly difficult jumps.

It's just one storyline over the next eight days, a stretch which promises a little bit of everything in the way of drama.

It all starts today with the future stars of skating and concludes on Sunday with the Exhibition of Champions.

A look ahead:

All novice divisions will compete today at the Convention Center, followed by finals on Monday.

Meanwhile, the junior ladies, featuring rising star Caroline Zhang, 13, of Irvine, Calif., are on the Arena ice today and Monday. Other junior events will run throughout the week at both venues.

The final battles for spots on the national senior team will conclude with Saturday's championship ladies' and men's finals. The championship pairs and dance titles will be decided Friday afternoon and evening, respectively.

Championship ladies: Reigning world champion Kimmie Meissner is in search of her first national title. She'll pursue the gold medal in the absence of 2006 champ Sasha Cohen, who decided not to compete in Spokane.

Six of the top seven women from last year's nationals in St. Louis will be here.

Championship men: Three-time defending champion Johnny Weir and 2006 runner-up Evan Lysacek will renew their running battle. Lysacek had the upper hand at the 2006 Turin Olympics, where he was fourth, one spot above Weir.

Weir is looking to become the first male since Brian Boitano to win four consecutive national championships. Look for Scott Smith, the only skater to land a quadruple jump in last year's championships, to make some noise.

Championship pairs: Defending champions Rena Inoue and John Baldwin are expected to showcase their signature throw triple axel.

Tiffany Vise and Derek Trent may try a throw quad Salchow. Should they land it cleanly, it would be the first successful attempt in competition.

Championship dance: Olympic silver medalists and three-time defending champions Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto are heavy favorites to repeat. The veterans hope to use the event as a springboard to their first world title.

The festivities start Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks over Riverfront Park.

Inside the Arena, ceremonies will include a performance by the Spokane Youth Symphony, which will play Vivaldi's "Winter" while area figure skaters perform. Dignitaries will include U.S. Figure Skating officials, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession.

Call (866) USA-2000 or 325-SEAT, go online to www.spokane2007.com or visit the Arena box office.

Photos courtesy of U.S. Figure Skating