Cohen fire on ice

In a routine packed with impressive artistry and dance steps, Cohen earned the highest marks from judges despite not competing a triple-triple combination jump.

The diminutive 19-year-old, who finished fourth at the last two world championships, skated with confidence and determination, earning four perfect 6.0s for presentation to head into Saturday's free skate in pole position.

In a competition that contained at times controversial judging, Japan's Shizuka Arakawa finished the short programme in second place while her 16-year-old compatriot Miki Ando, the world junior champion, was third.

The surprise of the day came when Michelle Kwan, aiming for a sixth world title, could only earn fourth-place marks. The American, who was possibly handicapped by her early start number, nailed all her jumps and skated brilliantly yet her routine was rewarded with low marks, including a 5.1 from an unidentified judge.

Julia Sebasyen of Hungary, the reigning European champion, finished the day in fifth place.