KWAN'S VICTORY IS LESS THAN STELLAR.(SPORTS)

Byline: Associated Press

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The top three women in figure skating will gather next week in an early pre-Olympic showdown. To prevail, Michelle Kwan likely will need a lot more than she showed at Skate America.

Kwan put out a workmanlike program in edging Sarah Hughes for her sixth Skate America title Saturday. But many in attendance at the World Arena believed Hughes deserved to win.

Of course, Kwan had a far-from-smooth road to the first event of the season. And the rest of it won't be easy without coach Frank Carroll, with whom she split during the week.

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