Belbin, Agosto taking a classical approach

But the Americans have come around this season. And it just might be the thing that wins them their first title at the World Figure Skating Championships, which begin Tuesday in Goteburg, Sweden.

Already among the favorites, Belbin and Agosto's chances of winning the United States's first world dance title got better last week when Russia's Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, the European and Grand Prix champions, withdrew after he aggravated a knee injury.

"This is the most prepared we've ever been heading in to any World Championships," said Belbin. "And it's also the best year we've felt as far as our package goes, with our programs. We have, in our opinion, a great shot at the gold medal, more so than any year in the past. We're really looking forward to capitalizing on all the preparation that we've put into this event."

Belbin and Agosto are the most successful dance team the US has had, and the Olympic silver medalists seem to break new ground every season. But when coach Igor Shpilband suggested they consider a classical piece for this year's free dance, they worried it might be too much of a stretch.

They turned down some Bach he suggested. When he came back with Chopin, though, they agreed to try it, and the flowing, romantic program has turned out to be the perfect showcase for their skills. It highlights their chemistry, expression, and speed, their traditional strengths. But it has also allowed them to show a maturity and depth of emotion they didn't have three or four years ago.

"[Shpilband] felt if we could do a really good job with this style, it would really help our growth," Belbin said. "There's no way to be a top team and say, 'I shouldn't do this style because it will show my weaknesses.' You should have no weaknesses.

"So I think in the end, it was so beneficial for us to challenge ourselves with this program. To learn how to skate strong and yet soft. To do more subtle facial expressions and choreography and still show a very competitive, strong program."

Crowds have loved it - the pair got a standing ovation at the US Championships in January - and judges have been impressed, too. In addition to winning the free dance portion of the competition at both of their Grand Prix events, Belbin and Agosto won the US championships by more than 6 points.