HARBIN, Northeast China, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's overwhelming favorites Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao twirled to their third consecutive victory at the Winter Universiade here on Sunday, snatching the first figure skating gold for the host.

    The Olympic silver medalists posted an overall total score of 195.32 in their free skating, leaving Russian rivals Ksenia Ozerova and Alexander Enbert a distant second at 146.10.

    Another Chinese pair Dong Huibo/Wu Yiming took bronze with 143.63.

    The Chinese aces opened with a double axel and triple toeloop to the Yangtze River Piano Concerto, followed by a full array of dazzling throws and lifts that wowed the fans and the judges at Harbin International Convention Center in northeast China.

    It is the third consecutive victory for the Zhangs in the biennial sports gala since 2005, also the first gold out of the figure skating competitions slated for Feb. 21-24.

    "We are satisfied with our performance today despite the minor flaws in the salchow and landing. It is a great honor for us to claim the gold on home soil," said Zhang Dan.

    "Every athlete has ups and downs. No one can always stay in his top form," said Zhang Hao, referring to the pair's setback at the Four Continents Championships earlier February in Canada.

    "We are very much inspired by the gold medal, which brings more confidence to us in preparing for the Olympics," he added.

    The men's free skating will start later on Sunday, witnessing the second gold out of the five at Universiade figure skating.

    Altogether 204 participants from 26 countries compete in five events, namely, ice dance, men's and women's single skating, pairs and synchronized skating.