Abbott, Castelli-Shnapir selected for US team

Associated Press

SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Jeremy Abbott and the pairs team of Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir will represent the United States when the first Olympic figure skating team competition opens.

The new event begins Thursday with the short programs for the men and pairs. The 10 competing teams will have one entry in each of the four disciplines.

Nations are allowed to use a different entrant in the short and long program in two of the disciplines. The short program for women and ice dance is Saturday.