Barbara Fusar Poli and Maurizio Margaglio of Italy upset reigning world champions Tatiana Navka and Roman Kostomarov with a nearly flawless performance to take the lead in the compulsory dance on Friday.

 

The Italian pair garnered 38.78 points, followed by gold favorites Tatiana Navka/Roman Kostomarov of Russia in 38.20. Albena Dekova and Maxim Staviski of Bulgaria finished third in the opening portion of ice dancing event.

 

Fusar Poli and Margaglio, who had retired from competition four years ago and now came back out of nowhere, were proud of their superb and courageous display.

 

"We came back after four years to an international event. We are not scared of anybody," Margaglio said.

 

"We came back to be competitive with the best skaters and now we are here," he added.

 

Fusar Poli gave credits to audience and judges. "I can't believe it. We worked so hard, the audience was crazy, and the judges have understood our interpretation," she said.

 

When asked how they will prepare to challenge for the gold, she said: "We need rest, concentrate. We have to be cold-headed and warm-hearted."

 

The Italian pair will have to beat in their way to gold the Russian pair Navka/Kostomarov who are very confident.

 

"We were sure of this dance and we hope to compete for the gold medal," Kostomarov said. "It's difficult to talk now, we have to wait till the end of the whole competition."?

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2006)