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Associated Press 17y

Rochette making season debut at Skate Canada

VICTORIA, British Columbia -- Joannie Rochette is looking
for quite the experience at Skate Canada.

The Canadian figure skating champion will make her season debut
at the Grand Prix event later this week, unveiling a new short
program set to an instrumental version of Jimi Hendrix's "Little
Wing." The program was choreographed by Sandra Bezic.

"She was commenting at the Olympics that all the girls do the
same classical pieces over and over," Rochette said. "She wanted
to do something with rock and blues, so we decided on Jimi Hendrix
and `Little Wing' for the short.

"It's really different, something I'm really comfortable with.
It's sensual but not trashy. I just love skating to this music."

Rochette has won two Canadian titles, but made a name for
herself internationally with a fifth-place finish at the Turin
Olympics. Though she dropped to seventh at the world championships,
she will be a heavy favorite to medal at Skate Canada.

Rochette took Flamenco lessons to spice up her free skate, from
a Don Juan musical. She isn't planning to do the triple-triple jump
combinations she's been working on, but likely won't need them.

The field at Skate Canada is relatively inexperienced, with
world silver medalist Fumie Suguri the heavy favorite. Susanna
Poykio of Finland, who was ninth at the world championships, is the
only other woman in the top 10 at Skate Canada.

The United States will be represented by up-and-comer Katy
Taylor, who won the bronze medal at the Nebelhorn Trophy, but was a
disappointing 10th at Skate America, and defending Skate Canada
champion Alissa Czisny.

World champion Stephane Lambiel and three-time U.S. champ Johnny
Weir lead the men's field. Canada's Jeff Buttle, the Olympic bronze
medalist, had to withdraw with a stress fracture in his back.

Americans Rena Inoue and John Baldwin Jr. will be favored to win
their second straight Grand Prix title. The Americans, fourth at
this year's world championships, won the gold at Skate America last
weekend. Reigning U.S. junior champions Kendra Moyle and Andy Seitz
will make their senior Grand Prix debut.

"We've got a busy schedule, with Skate America and Skate Canada
back to back," Baldwin said. "But it's a good way to get into the
season quickly and good preparation for what we want to do this
season, which is get that medal at worlds."

Canada's Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon, the world
silver medalists, will be heavy favorites in the ice dance
competition.

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