FIGURE SKATING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS : Canadians Take Lead Over Soviets

Isabelle Brasseur and Lloyd Eisler of Canada, runners-up last year, took the lead after the original program in the pairs’ competition at the World Figure Skating Championships Tuesday.

With Eisler tossing his partner high into the air to the tune of “Ain’t She Sweet,” the Canadians earned higher marks than the favored Soviets, Natalia Mishkutinok and Artur Dmitriev, who placed second.

Elena Bechke and Denis Petrov of the Soviet Union were third, followed by Natasha Kuchiki and Todd Sand of the United States.

The original program counts for one-third of the total score, which will be completed by today’s free routine.

Said Eisler: “We have a far more difficult program than other couples. With our long program (that accounts for two-thirds of the mark), we know we don’t have to be perfect to know we have skated well.”

Paul Wylie of the United States was drawn to start first among the 34 competitors in the men’s event starting today. In the women’s event, U.S. champion Tonya Harding will start third. Another American contender, Kristi Yamaguchi, will be 36th in a field of 37.