Two pro athletes, actor dance off on ‘Stars’

The battle for the disco ball is almost over.

Figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, pro football player Jason Taylor and actor Cristian de la Fuente are competing for the twinkling trophy on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”

Tonight’s finale could be a close race because of Yamaguchi’s perfection, Taylor’s charisma and de la Fuente’s dramatic comeback from an arm injury.

After the third-place couple is revealed, based on Monday night’s performances, the remaining two couples will duke it out with one more dance – one of their favorite routines from the season.

The judges’ scores from both nights, plus Monday night’s viewer votes, will determine the winner.

Tonight’s special guests include Grammy winner Usher and the nine previously eliminated contestants from this season.

Who’s going to become the disco king or queen? Here’s a look at the pros and cons.

Kristi Yamaguchi

Also known as: The ice princess.

Best dances: Her peppy jive; her romantic Viennese waltz with an umbrella prop.

Pro partner: Mark Ballas, who’s linked romantically to last season’s contestant Sabrina Bryan.

Costumes: She’s usually modest and always elegant, except when they stick her in something like that Chicken Little fringed mini.

Pros: The Olympic champion skater is as graceful off the ice as on. Her precision made her the early favorite. But the judges have been tough on her recently.

Cons: If she wants to win, Yamaguchi needs to thaw out and show more emotion.

Secret weapon: She can handle more complicated choreography than her rivals.

Jason Taylor

Also known as: The gridiron god.

Best dances: His scores were better for the waltz and quickstep, but you gotta love his paso doble to the “Monday Night Football” theme.

Pro partner: Edyta Sliwinska, who stands out for her skimpy costumes and daring lifts.

Costumes: Jason likes to keep it simple. He doesn’t need glitz because nobody looks better on the floor in a dark suit.

Pros: The Miami Dolphins defensive end cuts a dashing figure with his majestic lines. If he wasn’t so busy with football, he could have a career in ballet. Plus, he’s so handsome.

Cons: Now that his poise is predictable, he needs to step up his game on his other moves.

Secret weapon: His height gives his performances extra oomph.

Cristian de la Fuente

Also known as: The one-armed bandit.

Best dances: Any of the numbers he’s done since rupturing a tendon in his left bicep.

Pro partner: Cheryl Burke, a two-time “Dancing” winner and a whiz at choreography. (She figured out a way for Cristian to lift her with one arm.)

Costumes: Thank goodness he’s still able to unbutton those brightly colored shirts that show off his abs.

Pros: The charismatic actor from Chile has become a fan favorite since being injured on the show. He’s done so well with a bum arm he could steal the top spot.

Cons: Can he keep finding ways to draw attention away from his limitations?

Secret weapon: A very good sense of humor.