(March 18, 2005)

Canadian Champion Joannie Rochette skated a solid short program on Friday to place in the top-10 at the 2005 International Skating Union (ISU) World Championships.

The 19-year-old from Ile Dupas, Que., started her program with a double Axel, which she followed with a strong triple Lutz-double toe loop combination. Rochette also successfully completed a triple flip in her program.

Rochette was awarded 56.40 points for her short program, which placed her ninth in that portion of the event. Her combined point total is 80.05, which has her currently standing 10th overall.

"I'm feeling great for the rest of the competition," said Rochette.

Seventeen-year-old Cynthia Phaneuf, of Contrecoeur, Que., is currently standing 19th. She scored a total of 42.95 points in her short program, which brought her combined point total to 64.72.

Russia's Irina Slutskaya, who won the short program with 62.84 points, is in first-place. She has a combined point total of 92.61.

Currently standing in second is American Sasha Cohen, who was awarded 61.37 points in the short program. Cohen has a combined point total of 89.78 heading into the free skate.

Carolina Kostner, of Italy, placed fourth in the short program with 60.82 points, but currently stands in third-place overall with a combined point total of 87.27.

The ladies will skate the free program on Saturday.

The 2005 ISU World Championships continue with the free dance on Friday. Check the TV schedule for broadcasts.

See full results at www.isufs.org/events/fsevent00007859.htm.