Figure Skating

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - Queen Yu-Na they call her, and Queen Yu-Na she is.

Kim Yu-Na blasted a field of women Saturday night in the short program at Skate America and caused a sensation in the old Herb Brooks Arena, the site of many emotional conquests.

A rather large crowd of spectators jumped to their feet as soon as she finished her James Bond routine. They watched as she expressed utter surprise when her marks came up: the 76.28 she earned topped her previous record score for a short program. Another day, another world record.

She had originally set the short program mark at the world championships in Los Angeles, which she won last March. And at her past Grand Prix in Paris, she beat it again.

As Kim walked into a mixed zone arena, members of the crowd pressed themselves against a row of windows overlooking the zone. Cameras flashed. It was an unprecedented sight.

Her coach, Brian Orser, said Kim hadn't actually realized what her world record was. After beating it so many times, it's probably a bit hard to keep track.

"I was really really nervous before my performance because my first performance of my short program was perfect [in Paris],'' Kim said. "But my music started and I felt very comfortable on the ice. My jumps were very nice, But I think my footwork and my last spin was a little slow and I struggled, maybe. When I saw my score, I didn't realize it was a new world record. ‘'

She said the short program, choreographed by David Wilson of Toronto, is very special for her, and makes her enjoy competition. She loves her footwork.

Orser could sense Kim's nervousness and watched her handle it like a pro.

"It's another great quality she has that she is able to manage it,'' Orser said. "And to really direct those nerves in the right way. It's a matter of my body language and help her relax a bit, maybe break the ice.''

Orser says she knows she's the favourite, but she wants to skate well, because she now has a reputation "of being a pretty good skater.''

"I think she's just excited about these new programs,'' Orser said. "They're such a good fit for her. And she wears them well.''

The fan adoration and media attention has been growing gradually. Orser says Kim is always gracious and very cordial and always makes time for fans and media. "And she's always very humble about it." Orser said.

Kim won the short program by 17.48 points over Rachel Flatt of the United States, who finished second with 58.80 points despite on a triple flip - triple toe loop combination.

Julia Sebestyen of Hungary was third, with 58.54, only .26 points after skating the best short program of her life. She's known for the height and power of her jumps.