Chinese ice-skaters Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo made their romantic relationship public on Wednesday, after they won their third pairs skating gold medal in six years at the World Figure Skating Championship in Tokyo.

 

 

Chinese web portal Sohu.com reports Zhao Hongbo kneeled before Shen Xue in order to propose to her after they finished their performance with a total score of 203.50 points. Unfortunately, Shen Xu misunderstood the gesture and kneeled down in solidarity beside her partner.

 

The proposal was not as successful as Zhao had planned, but the couple still decided to make their relationship public. They say they may tie the knot in 2008.

 

The website set by the couple's fans says Zhao is planning a second proposal to make up for the botched first proposal. It may be staged during the Gala Skate performance on Sunday, March 25.

 

(CRI March 24, 2007)