YONHAP NEWS

(LEAD) Kim Yu-na grabs 6th Grand Prix title with record score

PARIS, Oct. 17 (Yonhap) -- World champion title holder Kim Yu-na of South Korea won the Grand Prix figure skating series opener Saturday in Paris with a record 210.03, breaking her own record score.

The 19-year-old scored a total of 210.03 points at Trophee Eric Bompard, with 133.95 points in the free skate. She topped her personal best and the world record of 207.71 set in the world championship competition in March.

"I never thought of the GEO (grade of execution) element, other than the figure skating performance," Kim said. "When I saw the number 210 on the scoreboard, I was surprised. From the first competition came the highest score and I felt numb for a second."

   Mao Asada, who slipped after her double axel, came in second with 173.99 points overall, and her Japanese compatriot Yukari Nagano ranked third with 165.70 points.

   Kim won her first Grand Prix at the Paris event in 2006 and has never missed one since then. She also has two Grand Prix Final titles.

   Skating to George Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F Major, Kim captivated the audience with a triple lutz-tripe toe loop combination jump that opened the program.

   "Over the last few years, I performed in tune with music that had a story. But this time, I tried to express the classical music itself rather than have a specific character in mind. I like the music and the program, which made it easier for me to express," she said.

   Although she skipped a triple flip, six other jumps, her flying sit spin and spiral sequence stood out.

   "The moment I did a triple flip jump, as if something was caught on my skate blade, I felt shaky and could not do the jumps. But I'm very satisfied that I was able to finish the rest of the program, and I'm so happy to get the highest score from the first competition," she said.

   The South Korean skater will compete in Skate America in Lake Placid, New York, next month to qualify for the Grand Prix Final in Tokyo in December. Only the top six skaters who gain the most points through six Grand Prix series events will earn spots in Tokyo.

   "Honestly, figure skating is not about the score. Rather than trying to set a new record score, it's more important to try to present all I have in each competition."

   brk@yna.co.kr
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