Former world champion Irina Slutskaya of Russia staged a perfect comeback to figure skating when she lifted the women's title at the Cup of China.

Slutskaya, who was sidelined with illness for the entire 2003-2004 season, achieved an elegant and stylish victory to the soundtrack of "Wonder, Whisper from the Mirror".

The 25-year-old silver medallist at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002 and world champion that year, completed a triple salchow-double loop-double loop combination to earn a total of 177.80 points.

Fellow Russian Viktoria Volchkova was second with 154.16 points, while Canada's Joannie Rochette finished third.

(CRI November 14, 2004)