(November 14, 2006)

Emanuel Sandhu captured a bronze medal at the 2006 Cup of China, his first ISU Grand Prix event of the season.

Sandhu debuted two new programs at the event, which was held Nov. 9-11 in Nanjing, China.

After placing fourth in the short program, Sandhu delivered a solid free program that featured a quadruple toe loop, as well as three clean triple jumps, difficult footwork and intricate spins.

Sandhu, who was second in the free skate with a total of 129.84 points, earned a combined score of 193.39 overall, which secured him the bronze medal.

“I felt a little bit tired today. I think my long trip caught up with me,” said Sandhu. “The performance I think reflected that a little bit, but it also reflects how early it is in the season for me. I love both of my programs. These programs I think are my best yet.”

Evan Lysacek, of the United States, won the gold medal, while Sergei Davydov, of Belarus, was second.

In the pair event, three-time Canadian Champions Valérie Marcoux and Craig Buntin were fourth in both the short program and the free skate to finish fourth overall with a total score of 165.11.

Emilie Demers Boutin and Pierre-Philippe Joncas, who were competing in their first ISU Grand Prix event, placed seventh in the short program and eighth in the free skate to finish eighth overall with a total of 118.48 points.

Ice dancers Lauren Senft and Leif Gislason were seventh in all three portions of the event – compulsory dance, original dance and free dance – to place seventh overall with a total score of 143.69, while Mylène Girard and Bradley Yaeger were eighth in all three portions of the event to finish eighth overall with a total of 140.11 points.

Next on the ISU Grand Prix circuit is the 2006 Trophée Eric Bompard Cachemire in Paris, France. The competition takes place Nov. 16-19.