China's first figure skating pairs world champions Zhao Hongbo and Shen Xue might retire after the 2007 world championships in Tokyo and get married - or they might not.

Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo from China bow after the figure skating Pairs Free Skating at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, February 13, 2006. [Reuters]

The 2002 and 2003 world champions seemed divided not only on when to bring their career to an end but also on whether a wedding was in the offing when talking to local media ahead of their first outing of the season.

"This may be the season to take our bows," Zhao, 33, told the Nanjing Daily as the pair prepared for this weekend's Grand Prix Cup of China in the eastern city.

"After competing in the world championship next year we'll retire," he added.

His on-ice partner of 14 years, however, had no such plans.

"So far I have not considered retirement," said Shen, who is 28 next week. "I'm still enjoying being on the ice. Therefore, if possible, I hope to keep on skating."

China's first world pair champions also had differed on possible marriage plans.

"We are just good friends, we're not going that far," Shen told the paper.

Zhao, however, said: "We'll let you guys know when we are ready for the wedding."

Zhao's Achilles tendon injury hampered the pair's preparations for the Turin Olympics earlier this year and they ended up with a bronze medal.

"Our biggest regret was not winning the Olympic title," Zhao said.