ISU World and Four Continents competitor Hongyi Chen of China dominated the Ladies Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix Shiseido Cup of China in Chongqing on Friday. Teammates Angel Li and Minzhi Jin follow in second and third place.
Hongyi Chen (CHN) captured plenty of hearts with her dominant performance in the Ladies Short Program © International Skating Union (ISU)
Chen delivered a smooth performance to “Cinema Paradiso”, landing a slightly underrotated triple Lutz-triple toeloop combination, a triple flip and a double Axel. The National Champion collected a level four for her flying camel spin and a level three for the other two spins and the footwork. She earned 64.63 points.
“I am quite satisfied with my performance and I was able to do what I do in my regular practice,” Chen said. “I was a little nervous after not competing in a while and I think I need to get used to the lights and the atmosphere again. It was good that we had two test skates before in my team.”
Li, making her debut at this level, completed a triple Lutz-double toeloop combination, a double Axel and two level-four spins in her routine to “Beethoven’s Five Secrets”. However, she missed the triple flip. Li notched 49.94 points for her Short Program.
“Overall I am happy with my performance, but I made a mistake in my second jump and I need to work harder,” Li said. “I was nervous, especially before the competition. But as soon as my music started, I was able to focus and take one element at a time.”
Angel Li was unhappy with a mistake in her routine but stands in second place on Day 1 © International Skating Union (ISU)
Skating to “Bei mir bist du schoen”, Jin, another newcomer to the ISU Grand Prix, produced a triple Salchow-double toeloop combination and double Axel, but she fell on her triple toeloop. The 16-year-old achieved 47.75 points.
“I missed one jump and I was a little nervous,” Jin said. “This is a new short program and I have not practised it that much. This is my first time at the Cup of China and I am happy to be able to perform at this bigger stage.”
Sixteen-year-old Minzhi Jin relishes her chance on big stage © International Skating Union (ISU)
Siyang Zhang (CHN) stands in fourth place on 39.80 points and Lu Zheng (CHN) is ranked fifth on 29.84.
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ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020
- Shiseido Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN) – November 6-8
- Rostelecom Cup, Moscow (RUS) – November 20-22
- NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN) – November 27-29
- ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final – Beijing (CHN) postponed
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final that was to be held as an Olympic Test Event on December 10-13 has been postponed. The ISU, in consultation with all stakeholders and considering the pandemic developments, is evaluating the continuation of the 2020/21 season, in particular the re-scheduling possibilities for the important Olympic Test Events.
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known a s the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Due to the current situation, the usual selection criteria do not apply. Please see the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating page for further information.