Ice Dance: Zaretskis end World Championships in 9th

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF, AP
Alexandra and Roman Zaretski finished the ice dance competition at the World Championships in Gothenburg in ninth position on Friday. The Zaretski's finished their first ever World Championships in 20th position two years ago and came in 14th place at last year's event. Maxim Shipov ended his first ever appearance in the men's competition in 34th position on Friday, failing to advance to the free skate. Hayley Anne Sacks and Vadim Akolzin the pairs competition in 17th place, with Tamar Katz, who finished last years World Championships in 23rd position, ending this year's event in 22nd place. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Buttle now has a world title to go with his Olympic bronze medal. The Canadian won the men's title at the World Figure Skating Championships on Saturday, holding off defending champion Brian Joubert and American Johnny Weir. When Buttle finished his program, he pounded the ice then clapped his hands, screaming, "Yeah!" "It's always been a dream of mine to be the world champion," Buttle said. "I can't believe that I am." Believe it, because the numbers don't lie. Buttle finished with 245.17 points, well ahead of Joubert (231.22) and Weir (221.84). Daisuke Takahashi of Japan was fourth. Joubert's finish was impressive, considering he was sixth after the short program. The Frenchman has had a tough season, missing most of the Grand Prix season because of a strength-sapping virus. But he was mesmerizing Saturday and showed he will be a force next year. The bronze medal was Weir's first at a world championships, and the only one for the entire American team this week. It also means the United States will be able to send three men to next year's world championships, where results determine slots for the Vancouver Olympics.