DORTMUND, Germany - Michelle Kwan got off to a wobbly start Wednesday in her bid to become the first American skater to win six world titles.
In her opening performance, Kwan turned a triple loop jump into a single and fell on a triple lutz. She finished third in her qualifying group behind Japan's Shizuka Arakawa and Miki Ando.
Kwan's American rival, Sasha Cohen, won her qualifying round.
Long regarded as the best female skater of her era, Kwan tied the U.S. record held by 1960 Olympic champion Carol Heiss when she won her fifth world crown in 2003.
But she needs to improve in Friday's short program for hopes of a sixth.
"I couldn't feel the ice. I was kind of stiff," the eight-time U.S. champion said. "I got into it in the middle, but by that time, it was too late."
On a scale of 6.0, she was awarded between 4.9 and 5.6 for technical merit and between 5.6 and 5.9 (one 5.9) for artistic presentation.
"I can't say it felt like me out there," she said.
"I guess that was sort of like a wakeup call. I wish I could do it over again."
Kwan catapulted to fame at 13 at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics as a standby in case Tonya Harding was pulled from the Games.
Two years later, she was world champion. She also won in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2003.
Cohen hit six clean triples, intricate but fast spins and spirals that showcased her flexibility. She received marks from 5.4 to 5.9.
"I am very pleased with my performance," Cohen said. "I was really determined and overcame a lot out there. It's great to have this one under my belt. For the final, I know I will have a stronger performance."
