by Mel Antonen/Steve Woodward

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The heated controversy over the U.S. Olympic figure skating team won't cool this weekend.

        An Oregon court today hears Tonya Harding's request for an order to stop a U.S. Olympic Committee hearing in Norway that could determine whether she remains on the team.

        Meanwhile, Nancy Kerrigan, injured in the Jan. 6 attack, practices today and has scheduled a news conference in Lillehammer Saturday.

        Thursday, the USOC sought dismissal of Harding's suit, filed Wednesday, seeking $ 20 million in damages if she's prevented from competing.

        Among reasons Harding cited in support of her lawsuit: She can't afford to bring witnesses and lawyers to Norway, needs time to train, and does not believe she would get a fair hearing anyway.

        But USOC executive director Harvey Schiller said "the burden of proof is on the USOC."

        Also Thursday: Jeff Gillooly, Harding's ex-husband, withdrew his request to go to Norway and tell the USOC about her alleged role in the attack; she denies any involvement.

        The USOC had invited him, but then changed its mind.