Kerrs seek seventh title and rest chase Olympic places

By Chris Cottrell, Sportsbeat, in Sheffield

SINEAD and John Kerr will start hot favourites to win a seventh consecutive national ice dance title in Sheffield this week.

OLYMPIC AMBITION: Phillipa Towler-Green and Phillip Poole, last year's national silver medal-winners, are looking to earn their Vancouver spot

But it's the likely battle for second that is the most intriguing.

The Scottish siblings, bronze medallists at last year's European Championships, are playing a major role in the revival of British ice skating, aided by a popular reality TV show.

And they've started their Olympic campaign in style, becoming the first British pair to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix final, which will be staged in Tokyo next month, thanks to a third and second place in their two qualifying events.

Their success means Great Britain have been awarded a quota of two ice dance couples at next year's Games in Vancouver.

This week's championships will act as the trial with the National Ice Skating Association and British Olympic Association insisting the top two couples will be selected, providing they both achieve a points score of 146.08.

Phillipa Towler-Green and Phillip Poole, last year's national silver medal-winners, on paper appear the best of the rest.

Four other couples are also in contention, although Christina Chitwood and Mark Hanretty, third last year, are not eligible.

American-born Chitwood, who is married to a British citizen, has not received a visa in time to compete in Vancouver.

That gives former national junior champions, Penny Coomes and Nicolas Buckland, the chance to make the break into the senior ranks.

The ice dance competition starts today with the compulsories while defending pairs champions, Stacey Kemp and David King, begin their campaign tomorrow.

Reigning women's champion Jenna McCorkell, also seeking a seventh British title, should secure her Olympic place while Matthew Parr is favourite in the men's event.