SOCHI, Russia (AP) — The U.S. got off to a bad start in the opening round of the new team figure skating event at the Sochi Olympics. The Americans are tied for fifth in total points after the men and pairs short programs. However, the U.S. is ranked seventh out of 10 teams when tiebreakers are factored in. Only the top five countries advance to the free skate. Russia has the lead.

Falls and botched jumps from U.S. champions Jeremy Abbott and the pairs team of Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir hurt the Americans chances.

The U.S. hopes to gain ground in the women and ice dance short programs. Meryl Davis and Charlie White are the reigning world champs in ice dance.

Elsewhere:

— Defending gold medalist Hannah Kearney (KAR'-nee) leads the qualifiers in the women's moguls with fellow American Eliza Outtrim in fourth ahead of the finals on the weekend.

— In the first ever slopestyle snowboarding, Canadian Max Parrot has the top spot heading into the final round. The top woman qualifier is American Jamie Anderson. Teammate Karly Shorr has qualified fourth.

— Columbus Blue Jackets forward Marion Gaborik (MEHR'-ee-uhn GAB'-ohr-ihk) will be unable to play for his native Slovakia in the Olympic hockey competition. He had to withdraw because he's not completely recovered from a broken collarbone suffered Dec. 21. — Opening ceremonies are set for today.

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