Joubert, Suguri skate to lead in Moscow

MOSCOW • Brian Joubert got his groove back Friday, blasting past his Cup of Russia competition with a short program that brought the fans out of their seats.

The nearest anyone could come to him was Tomas Verner of the Czech Republic, almost 13 points behind.

American Adam Rippon was third despite not trying a quad and stepping out of his triple axel. He far outstripped fellow American Jeremy Abbott of the Broadmoor Skating Club, whose Cup of China gold had raised expectations for him in Moscow, but who finished the day a dismal eighth.

Japan's Fumie Suguri took the women's lead with a short program that was confident and precise, if short on adventure.
With a score of 58.30 points, she edged Carolina Kostner of Italy, the world silver medalist, and American Rachael Flatt of the Broadmoor Skating Club at Moscow's Megasport Arena. Kimmie Meissner, the 2006 world champion, was a disappointing eighth.

Flatt, new to the international seniors circuit, said her third-place status "kind of surprised" her.

"I honestly didn't know where I was going to come out for the standings. But I'm very excited. I didn't skate my best, it could've been better, but I'm happy with where I am," she said.

Flatt stepped out of the first part of her triple-triple and only doubled the toe loop jump when she tried to add it on to her ensuing triple lutz.

But she held back a double axel until more than two minutes into the program, and got the second-highest technical marks. She was 2.38 points behind Suguri and 1.1 behind Kostner.