Sofia / Bulgaria

 

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Alexei Krasnozhon (USA)

Krasnozhon (USA) dominates Junior Men’s Short Program

ISU Grand Prix Final Champion Alexei Krasnozhon (USA) justified his status as favorite and claimed the Junior Men’s Short Program at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships in Sofia (BUL) Thursday. Russia’s Alexey Erokhov trails the leader by almost four points in second place, while Mitsuki Sumoto of Japan is third.

Performing to ‘Korobushka’, 17-year-old Krasnozhon hit a triple Axel, triple Lutz and a rare triple flip-triple loop. The spins and footwork merited a level four to score him a total of 80.28 points.

“I think that was probably the hardest short program I’ve done all season, because it is the last event of this year after a long season and I had to fight for some jumps today. But I’m very happy with what I did,” Krasnozhon said.

“Now I’m done with my short program and very excited to go to the free skating. I plan one quad, the quad Salchow (in the Free Skating). My goal is to land my first clean quad in competition.”

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Alexey Erokhov (RUS)

 

Erokhov’s program to ‘Lighthouse’ by Patrick Watson featured a triple Axel, a triple flip-triple toe combination, triple Lutz as well as two level-four spins. The Russian Junior Champion earned 76.54 points.

“It was good, but not everything was ideal. I feel like I can do more than that and I didn’t show everything I am capable of,” he said.

“As for the elements (in the Free Skating) I am planning three quads – two quad toes and one quad Salchow – and also two triple Axels. I hope to execute everything cleanly.”

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Mitsuki Sumoto (JPN)

Sumoto produced a triple Axel, triple Lutz and triple flip-triple toe combination in his routine to “Singin’ in the Rain” to score 72.94 points. However, the change foot camel spin garnered only a level two.

“I am not really satisfied with my skating. I am surprised to be in third, and I’m happy about that. My goal for the free skating is to skate well and to secure three spots for Japan for next year,” the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final bronze medalist said.

With less than four points separating third and eighth place, a lot can still happen in the Free Skating on Saturday. Ivan Pavlov (UKR) finished fourth on 71.05 points, followed by Sihyeong Lee (KOR) on 70.70 points and Matteo Rizzo (ITA) on 70.24 points. Jonathan Hess (GER) is currently ranked seventh (69.88 points) and Artur Danielian (RUS) placed eighth (69.15 points).

The 2016 World Junior bronze medalist Tomoko Hiwatashi (USA) fell on the triple Axel to come 11th, while ISU Junior Grand Prix Final silver medalist Camden Pulkinen (USA) finished 17th after errors on his jump combination and the triple Lutz.

The ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships continue Thursday with the Junior Pairs Free Skating. For more information, full entry lists and results please see the event website and the official website. Follow the event on social media using the hashtags #WorldJFigure and #FigureSkating.