Shen/Zhao wins pairs free skating at Vancouver Olympics

Shen/Zhao wins pairs free skating at Vancouver Olympics

China's Shen Xue (top)/Zhao Hongbo compete for the pairs free skating of Figure Skating at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Pacific Coliseum stadium, Canada, Feb. 15, 2010. Shen Xue/Zhao Hongbo won the gold medal of the event with a total of 216.57 points.
VANCOUVER, Feb. 15 -- Chinese pair Shen Xue/Zhao Hongbo defeated 12-year-jinx of gold medal drought in three Olympic Winter Games when they gave a near flawless in the free skating to win the title at the 21st Olympic Winter Games Monday evening.

The husband and wife duo, who made their Olympic debut in Nagano winter Olympics 12 years ago, collected 216.57 points to lead the standings, beating their closest rivals and teammates Pang Qing/Tong Jian by 3.26 points.

Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany finished third.

It is the first time that an Asian pair won the gold in winter Olympics history.

China's Shen Xue (front in L) and Zhao Hongbo (back in L) celebrate after the awarding ceremony for the pairs skating of Figure Skating at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Pacific Coliseum stadium, Canada, Feb. 15, 2010.
(Xinhua)