Meissner fourth after short program at Worlds

Posted on Friday, March 23rd, 2007 at 11:56 pm

South Korean Kim Yu-na shook off her back pain and took the lead in the short program today at the World Figure Skating Championships.

Japan’s Miki Ando was second and European champion Carolina Kostner was third.
The two favorites, defending champion Kimmie Meissner, who trains at the University of Delaware, and local star Mao Asada, were fourth and fifth, respectively.

Meissner, the American champion for the first time this year, was hurt by a low level of difficulty in a layback spin. Although she had a triple-triple, it was not as solid or daring as the leaders.

“The short program is always nerve-racking for me. I like to be ahead but sometimes it is better to come at it like this,” Meissner said. “The long program is definitely my favorite, so I am looking forward to it.”

Last year, she won the worlds with a free skate that included seven triples.