Well, the 2010 Olympics are underway and the Pairs Short Program took place last night, at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver – a facility where I skated at the opening some 40 years ago.

As expected, the event was dominated by the three Chinese teams, a Russian and German team and the two Canadian teams. With Shen and Zhao of China in first (returning after several years away from competition), the Germans second and the Russian team third so far, it will be the cleanest program that walks away with the gold. All of these teams, including Pang and Tong of China sitting fourth, have taken home World Championship titles, so it’s anyone’s game! I predict the cleanest program who turns on the Vancouver crowd will win the gold. The long program is scheduled for Tuesday night on NBC, so stay tuned!

After attending the PGA Merchandise Show last month, all golf ball manufacturers have multiple choices in their product line. With so many choices and brands, how do you decide? Here are some facts to help:

• Distance is NOT a key variable when comparing balls. Most balls within a given manufacturer’s line travel within a few yards of each other.
• Putting consists of about 40% of a player’s strokes, but once the ball is rolling, there is no real performance difference between balls.

The major differences between balls are spin rates and performance around the green. To find the ideal ball that will match your swing and game, you have to try balls on the course in chipping and pitching situations. Then, try again with longer clubs. The ball you should play will be the one giving you the best results. If you have any questions about ball selection, please don’t hesitate to be in touch – renzal@chelseapiers.com.

You may have outgrown your figure skating aspirations long ago, but you can still channel your inner Brian Boitano by watching the Olympics. This year, the competition is tough and the storylines are thickening by the minute. We don’t want you to miss any of the action, so here is the schedule and don’t forget to set your DVRs!

• Feb. 14 – Pairs Short Program – NBC, after 7pm
• Feb. 15 – Pairs Free Skate – NBC, 7pm
• Feb. 16 – Men’s Short Program – NBC, 7pm
• Feb. 18 – Men’s Free Skate – NBC, 7pm
• Feb. 19 – Compulsory Dance – NBC, 7pm
• Feb. 21 – Original Dance – NBC, 7:15pm
• Feb. 22 – Free Dance – NBC, 7:45pm
• Feb. 23 – Ladies Short Program – NBC, 8pm
• Feb. 25 – Ladies Free Skate – NBC, 8pm
• Feb. 27 – Exhibition Gala – Not announced

All Olympic hockey games will air nightly from February 13 through February 28 on MSNBC and CNBC.

Good luck to all Olympians!