Kwan Leads Skate America

Michelle Kwan, the 1996 world and U.S. champion who was dethroned by Tara Lipinski for both crowns last year, won the short program at Skate America.

Kwan’s presentation to piano music by Rachmaninoff earned her first place with eight of the nine judges. Lipinski’s jumps were more difficult, but her routine lacked the emotion of Kwan’s program.