The Cup of China-ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating is scheduled to open in Beijing for the second time on Thursday, at the Beijing Capital Gymnasium.

Wang Yumin, an official from China's Figure Skating Federation, says the preparation works for the coming event are ready.

"The China Grand Prix will be a high-level competition with the attendance of world elite skaters, among them China's world champions, Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo; China's top men's singles skater, Li Chengjiang, and Canadian Jeffrey Buttle, the champion of 2003 World Grand Prix Champion in Japan."

As Russia's top pair, Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin suffered an unexpected fall on ice in the US stop, Wang Yumin stresses that the Cup of China attached great importance to first aid service.

"Medical assistants will be stationed around the arena. Meanwhile, the skaters and coaches are reminded to be well prepared before the matches to avoid any unexpected incidents. "

As part of the preparation, Wang says that all volunteers have arrived in Beijing. In addition, Chinese pair Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao, who won the pairs title at Skate America last month, have attended promotional events in downtown Beijing.

The official pointed out that though Chinese skaters have topped the world in pairs skating, they are still behind the European and American skaters in singles event.

"The Chinese skaters in single skating give a brilliant display of skill; however they have weakness in artistic performance."

Chinese skaters are looking forward to the upcoming 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

The official says as the Chinese figure skaters improve their overall strength, they are hopeful of making history by winning gold medals in the Games.

(CRI November 9, 2004)