FIGURE SKATING U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS : Wynne-Druar Lead After Compulsories

Susan Wynne and Joseph Druar began defense of the U.S. Figure Skating dance title Tuesday in style.

Easily separating themselves from the field, Wynne and Druar finished first with all nine judges in the compulsory dances, the Tango Romantica and the Paso Doble. It was an encouraging performance for the pair, which had not competed since placing fifth at the world championships last March.

Wynne was hospitalized during the fall, and they didn’t return to full practice until late November.

“Sandy has lived with us for the last month,” Wynne said of Coach Sandra Hess, “drilling the compulsories and working on them, and that work showed through.

“I think we gained an understanding of the techniques and how to make the dances work.”

Runners-up in the compulsories were April Sargent of Ogdensburg, N.Y., and Russ Witherby of Cincinnati. They were second to Wynne and Druar in 1989.

“We’re feeling very comfortable. I don’t think we’ve ever felt this comfortable and well-trained,” Sargent said. “We’re ready and confident about our skating.”

Third were Suzanne Semanick of Bridgeville, Pa., and Ron Kravette of Costa Mesa, Calif.

In junior men’s competition, John Baldwin Jr., of San Diego took the lead, finishing first with all nine judges.