China's Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo are a step closer to their elusive Olympic gold medal after they set a world record Sunday as they won the pairs short program.
With a score of 76.66, the Chinese lead two-time world champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany by just .70 points. That's a slim margin going into Monday night's free skate, a difference that can be made up with one flourish of a hand.
"I am very happy today that we stood up on the ice and made a very good performance," Zhao said. "Today was just the short program. Tomorrow will be more important. Hopefully tomorrow will be as good as today."