Italian ice dancers sizzle

TORINO, Italy — Trash-talking, a shakeup in the standings and a large, raucous crowd. If not for the parade of hideous costumes, no one would have known this was compulsory dance.

Italians Barbara Fusar Poli and Maurizio Margaglio brought some sizzle to figure skating's sleepiest event Friday night, delighting the home crowd with a triumphant return from retirement. And by waltzing their way back to the top of the standings, the 2001 world champions let everyone know there's going to be some grit to go with the glitter in this year's Olympic ice dancing competition.

"We are in front," Margaglio said, "and the others must do better."

Pretty strong words coming from people wearing neon orange, black, gold and lime green outfits. But Fusar Poli and Margaglio wowed the judges with their impeccable timing and interpretation of the "Ravensburger Waltz," finishing with 38.78 points, a half-point ahead of two-time world champions Tatiana Navka and Roman Kostomarov.

Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto looked more like typical American also-rans than the medal contenders everyone expected, finishing a surprisingly low sixth with 37.36 points. But the silver medalists at last year's world championships were only 1.42 points out of first place, hardly insurmountable.

The original dance is Sunday night, and Belbin and Agosto's routine is a steamy mix of rhumba, salsa and cha cha that's sure to please. When it came time to draw their spot for the original dance, Agosto rubbed his hands for luck, then gave a thumbs up when he saw he and Belbin would skate last.

The free dance is Monday night.

"We were shaky here and there, and could have competed it better," said the Canadian-born Belbin, who only became a U.S. citizen and eligible for the Games on Dec. 31.

"But we really felt proud we could go out and attack it, knowing the rest of the competition is better for us."

No one knew quite what to expect from the Italians, who retired after winning the bronze medal at the 2002 Olympics. She had a baby almost two years ago, and they gave little thought to competing again.

But with the Olympics in their home country, they decided to give it a whirl.

"We said, 'Why not come back and skate for our country?' " Fusar Poli said. "Like this, I could skate for 10 more years, but I'm 34 years old."