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GV INTERIOR With Marina Cherkasova and Sergei Shakrai of the soviet Union slating in paris final of world figure skating championships
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GV Scoreboard reading 58, 58, 58, 58, 58, 58, 57, 57, 59
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GV Winners on rostrum, and other medallists, Marina Cherkasova receives medal as officials and audience applaud
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SPORT: FIGURE SKATING
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Background: At the world figure skating championships in Dortmund, West Germany, the first champions of the week were decided on Wednesday (12 March) when Marina Cherkasova and Sergei Shakrai of the Soviet Union captured the pairs title.

SYNOPSIS: Marina Cherkasova, aged 15, and Sergei Shakrai, aged 21, first appeared on the international scene three years ago when Marina was only twelve-years old.

The Soviet couple's compatriots the legendary Irina Rodnina and Alexander Zaitsev -- didn't take part in the competition because of Irina's injuries. They have now retired from the competition together with the United States pair, Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner.

High marks that were merited by their sparkling performance. Marina and Sergei were placed fourth in the 1977 world championship. Now they share a great victory with their trainer Stanislav Zhuk.