ISU Junior Grand Prix Final Champion Kamila Valieva of Russia claimed the lead in the Ladies Short Program as the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships continued in Tallinn, Estonia, on Friday. Korea’s Haein Lee came second followed by Daria Usacheva of Russia.
Kamila Valieva leads the Junior Ladies event after the Short Program in Tallinn 2020©International Skating Union (ISU)
Valieva delivered an exquisite performance of her program “Girl on the Ball” inspired by Picasso’s painting, hitting a triple loop, double Axel, triple Lutz-triple toe and beautiful spins and steps that all merited a level four. The 13-year-old posted a new personal best of 74.92 points.
“I skated quite well, except for the combination, there was a little mistake,” Valieva said. “I was a bit nervous before the competition, but I tried not to be nervous once I took my starting position.”
Skating to “Nocturne”, Lee produced a triple Lutz-triple toe, triple loop, double Axel and collected a level four for her spins and footwork. The ISU Junior Grand Prix finalist set a personal best score with 70.08 points.
Korea's Haein Lee is in second place after the Short Program in Tallinn 2020©International Skating Union (ISU)
“I did not expect to be in the top three in the short program,” she said. “It is important for me to get a high score for the senior level next season.”
Usacheva’s performance to “Please Don’t Make Me Love You” by Linda Eder was highlighted by a double Axel, triple loop and level-four spins and steps. However, she underrotated the back end of her triple flip-triple toeloop combination. The 13-year-old from Moscow scored 68.45 points.
“Today’s skating was bad,” the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final bronze medalist said. “I made a mistake on my triple flip-triple toeloop combination and I am not satisfied.”
Daria Usacheva is third and hopes to improve for the Free Skating segment 2020©International Skating Union (ISU)
ISU Junior Grand Prix Final silver medalist Alysa Liu (USA) remains within striking distance of the podium in fourth on 67.52 points. She hit a triple Axel in her combination, but underrotated the triple toe. Maiia Khromykh (RUS) is fifth with 66.78 and Seoyeong Wi (KOR) rounds off the top six with 65.45 points.
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