Men's Olympic figure skating hasn't been this exciting since the 'Battle of the Brians' in 1988: Reigning Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko of Russia is in the lead with 90.85 points after the men's short program on Tuesday night, with world champion Evan Lysacek of the U.S. trailing him by a mere .55 points, and Japan's Daisuke Takahashi just .05 points further behind—a close enough margin that the three might as well be tied. Plushenko specializes in showmanship, favoring elaborate jumps at the expense of delicate footwork while Lysacek is known for his smooth artistry and Takahashi specializes in innovative footwork and spins. The upcoming free skate could turn the competition toward any one of the men. Lysacek's teammate and fan favorite Johnny Weir is in 6th place. "I actually had fun tonight, and that's something I haven't been able to say for a long time," Weir said.
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