Shen-Zhao set record in short program

Published Feb. 15, 2010 4:42 a.m. ET

foxsports

China's Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo have received a record score in winning the short program at the Vancouver Olympics.

The two-time bronze medalists back for one last shot at gold were mesmerizing as the first skaters Sunday night - usually a disadvantage. Their 76.66 points are .70 ahead of two-time world champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany, who skated last.

European champions Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov of Russia were 2.5 points behind Shen and Zhao heading into Monday night's free skate.