Figure skating-North Korea qualifies first athletes for Pyeongchang 2018

Figure Skating - Olympic Qualifying ISU Challenger Series - Pairs Free Skating - Oberstdorf, Germany - September 29, 2017 - Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik of North Korea compete. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

OBERSTDORF, Germany (Reuters) - North Korea on Friday secured qualification for its first athletes at South Korea's Pyeongchang Olympics in February when figure skaters Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik finished in the top six in a qualifying event on Friday.

The pair successfully completed a solid short programme on Thursday and produced an even better free skate performance to make sure of one of five Olympic qualifying spots on offer with Kim pumping his fists at the end of their routine.