Kim takes big lead in short program
By NANCY ARMOUR, Associated Press
Feb 23, 2010 11:05 PM CST
Japan's Mao Asada, left, reacts after performing her short program during the women's figure skating competition at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)   (Associated Press)

World champion Kim Yu-na has set a world best in routing a strong field in the women's short program at the Vancouver Olympics.

Seeking South Korea's first figure skating medal, Kim has earned 78.50 points, giving her a huge 4.72-point edge over her chief rival, Japan's Mao Asada.

Canada's Joannie Rochette's brave, heart-wrenching performance two days after her mother died has her in third place heading into Thursday's free skate, 2.52 points in back of Asada.

Japan's Miki Ando is fourth, followed by Americans Rachael Flatt and Mirai Nagasu.

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