Slutskaya, Plushenko
Grand Prix Champions

Irina Slutskaya	Evgeni Plushenko

December 18, 2004

Irina Slutskaya and Evgeni Plushenko won the Grand Prix Finals Saturday in Beijing.

Slutskaya is one year removed from an inflamed heart lining that forced her to sit out almost the entire competitive season. She frequently visited the hospital. What a difference a year makes for the four-time GP Final champion. “Yes,Irina Slutskaya is back,” the four-time Grand Prix champion and 2002 World Champion said.

An out-of-shape Slutskaya had to try out with the Russian Federation to compete in the World Championships last year. Despite finishing ninth, it was a turning point that inspired Slutskaya with the recovery she made coming into the competition.

Plushenko, who entered the GP Final as an alternate when Johnny Weir withdrew because of an injury, also won his fourth GP Final.

One year ago Plushenko was penalized in a fluke in the scoring system and lost in the GP Final after sweeping with Gold Medals in his events. He lost in the GP Final last year when he completed one too many combinations, that wasn’t allowed at the time. “Now we know the rules,” Plushenko said.

Plushenko had little trouble earning his victory. He landed a quadruple toe loop and eight triple jumps in a dynamic program skated to “The Godfather” by Edvin Marton. “I did what I needed to do,” he said.