Browning's Kurt-ain call

Rules allow pros to compete head to head with amateurs

There's a world of difference between the 'amateur' and professional skating worlds.

Somewhere in the middle is the potential for an intriguing figure skating event.

The Sears Figure Skating Open, which takes over the Civic Centre ice tonight and tomorrow, brings together some of the best of both sides in a chase for more than $400,000 in prize money.

It's one of those rare places where Elvis Stojko, still going strong in his drive for a fourth Winter Olympics, can lace 'em up against Kurt Browning and Brian Orser. Three former Canadian and world champions, all on the same ice together.

Who's going to win? It's not as easy as you might think.

"It's a great competition that tries to find some medium ground," said Browning, 35, who's won seven world titles -- four as an amateur, three more as a pro. "The priority is on the artistic side, because the second program is worth more than the first (technical) one.

"It levels the playing field to the point where you don't really know who's going to win. That's what the event is supposed to do, especially one that is geared toward entertainment."

The technical, or short, program follows current International Skating Union rules for 'eligible' or amateur competitors. Definite edge to Stojko, fellow Canadian Emanuel Sandhu and Todd Eldredge of the U.S., who's also in the field.

In the interpretive programs, which will be skated tomorrow, the pendulum shifts the other way. Only a maximum of four triple jumps are allowed, which Browning believes tilts matters the pros' way.

"Sometimes, I do think the professionals have the advantage," he said. "If you're skating well and you go out and nail your short program, you can stay in the top three and have a chance (to win).

"People say 'can you beat Elvis?' Well no, not really. But in this type of event, maybe you can."

If you don't believe Browning, consider last year's women's result -- Canada's Josee Chouinard beating Michelle Kwan of the U.S., who went on to win her fourth world title in March in Vancouver.

That said, it's no easy chore for the pros to come up with ISU short programs. It's all about priorities. While Stojko and Eldredge are thinking Olympics, Browning worries about rehearsing for the Stars On Ice tour, or heading to Vancouver to film his latest TV special, Kurt Browning's Gotta Skate, which airs Sunday at 2 p.m. on NBC.

OLYMPIC PREPARATION

"(The amateurs) are getting ready for the Olympics, they're supposed to be at the best (skating level) of their life," said Browning. "They're trying to win an Olympic gold medal."

Browning decided to go the fun route with his short program, to a piece of music entitled Skating -- one you've probably heard many times during that old holiday TV favourite, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

"It won't exactly be a sombre 21/2 minutes," he deadpanned.

While his competing days at the Olympics are long in the past, Browning will be in Salt Lake City in February for the 2002 Olympics. He's been asked to perform during the closing ceremony.