ISU figure skating worlds opens in Shanghai

Chinese figure skating couple Shen Xue, front, and Zhao Hongbo perform at the opening ceremony for the 2015 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai, March 25, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Several other men are aiming at the podium as well - 2015 Four Continents Championships silver medalist Joshua Farris of the United States, 2015 Four Continents bronze medalist Han Yan of China, 2015 European silver medalist Maxim Kovtun from Russia and his compatriot and 2015 European bronze medalist Sergei Voronov.

Reigning European champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva of Russia is the top-ranked lady in Shanghai. The ISU Grand Prix Final winner posted a season best of 210.40 points. Competition should come from her teammate and European silver medalist Elena Radionova (season best 209.54 points), ISU Grand Prix Final bronze medalist American Ashley Wagner (season best 189.50) and European bronze medalist Anna Pogorilaya of Russia (season best 191.81 points). China's Li Zijun will also compete for a medal.

ISU Grand Prix Final and Four Continents champions Meagan Duhamel/Eric Radford of Canada are looking to crown a successful season with their first world title. The 2014 world bronze medalists come with 220.72 points and are unbeaten so far this season.