Browning Fired Up

Copyright 2000 Sun Media Corporation

It didn't take Kurt Browning long to get the competitive juices flowing again.

The four-time world figure-skating champion from Caroline, Alta., placed second after the men's technical program last night during the Sears Canadian Open at Copps Coliseum.

The International Skating Union-sanctioned open concept allows top current skaters to compete against former stars who have relinquished their Olympic eligibility in pro competition.

At 34, Browning is as popular as he has ever been. His Ballroom Bedlam routine last night was hysterical. He fell on a triple Axel attempt, but nobody other than Browning and the judges cared.

The show was delayed nearly 10 minutes while he gathered flowers from the throng of fans which crowded the bottom of the aisles at the boards.

"I'm angry at myself," Browning said of the fall. "Fifteen minutes ago it was about having fun. Now I want to win."

He gets his chance tonight when he skates to a western theme.

Alexei Yagudin of Russia, the reigning world champ, is in first despite blowing his combo by two-footing the landing of the entry jump. Todd Eldredge of the U.S., sits third, Steven Cousins of Britain fourth, Brian Orser of Toronto fifth, and Emanuel Sandhu of Richmond Hill sixth.

Americans Michelle Kwan and Sarah Hughes are 1-2 in the women's event while Josee Chouinard of Laval, Que., is third. Canadian champion Jennifer Robinson of Windsor is fourth.

Chouinard who, at 31, is more than twice the age of the 15-year-old Hughes, hadn't competed since winning the Sears Canadian Open one year ago. She no longer skates in the top bracket of the ISU's Grand Prix circuit.

"I was so nervous," said Chouinard,. "I didn't know if the nerves were going to work for me or against me."