(February 23, 2007)

It couldn’t have gotten much closer between the top-three teams in the senior category after the short program at the 2007 BMO Financial Group Skate Canada Synchronized Championships.

Less than half a point separates first-place Nexxice Senior (68.88) from third-place black ice (68.42) after all was said and done in the short program. Sandwiched in between the two teams are Les Suprêmes Senior, who currently stand second (68.68), only 0.2 points behind the leaders.

There’s a lot on the line at this week’s championships, with only two berths available for the 2007 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships, which will be held March 30 - 31 in London, Ont.

Defending champions black ice would like to return to the world synchronized skating championships and improve upon last year’s sixth-place finish. Nexxice Senior also hopes to qualify for the world synchronized skating championships for the second year in a row. The team placed ninth at the 2006 championships. Les Suprêmes Senior are also looking for a place on the world team. The team last competed at the world synchronized skating championships in 2005.

Currently in fourth are Fusion Senior, who earned 56.78 points, while Gold Ice Senior stand fifth with a score of 55.22.

Meanwhile, Gold Ice Junior lead the junior event, earning a score of 59.52 for the short program. Right behind them are Nexxice junior, who have 57.34 points, and Les Suprêmes Junior with 56.38 points.

Aura stand fourth with 52.80 points, and Fusion Junior round out the top-five, after earning a total score of 49.30.

In first-place after the first free skate program in the novice event (the novice teams skate two free skate programs at the championships) are Les Suprêmes Novice (28.57), while defending champions Nova are first after the first free skate in the adult competition (29.44).

All of the competitive titles will be determined this evening, with the finals being skated in the novice, adult, junior and senior competitive events.

Click here to access full results from the 2007 BMO Financial Group Skate Canada Synchronized Championships.