Goebel, Kwan win top prizes at Skating Classic

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The first step in Tim Goebel's comeback was a rousing success.

Goebel, the 2002 Olympic bronze medalist who had battled injuries related to boot problems last year, appeared comfortable and confident Friday night, winning the top men's prize at the International Skating Classic.

Michelle Kwan delivered a near-flawless program to claim the top prize in the women's competition in front of an announced crowd of 9,389 at the X-Cel Center.

Goebel was tight in his jumps and spins during an energetic four-minute program set to a symphonic medley of Queen songs. Skating second in the six-man field, he overcame an early stumble and received high marks for presentation, finishing with 10 points.

Brian Joubert of France was second with eight points, followed by Emanual Sandhu of Canada and American Johnny Weir.

"I wanted to go back to California with something I'm pleased with and can work on," said Goebel, who earned $50,000 for the win. "I'm healthier than I've been in a long time, so I want to keep getting stronger and getting better."

Kwan, skating to Ravel's "Bolero," performed a number of high-risk jumps without trouble. The only miscue for the eight-time national champion and five-time world champion came in the final seconds of her program when she fell during a simple piece of footwork.

"I was supposed to do one less turn, so I turned an extra one and wasn't ready for it," Kwan said. "My mind was one step ahead of my body."

Kwan finished with 14 points, two ahead of defending world champion Shizuka Arakawa of Japan, who skated a technically sound routine but appeared somewhat uneasy throughout.

"My program was good, but my skating was nervous today," Shizuka said.

American Sasha Cohen was third with 10 points and countrywoman Kimmie Meissner was fifth.