Annika Hocke and Rober Kunkel topped the Pairs standings on Day 1 of Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU
Reigning European bronze medalists Annika Hocke/Robert Kunkel (GER) skated to the lead in the Pairs Short Program as the ISU Grand Prix Skate America opened Friday in Allen, TX (USA), edging Canada’s Lia Perreira/Trennt Michaud by less than half a point. Chelsea Liu/Balasz Nagy (USA) are currently ranked third. Skate America is the first of six events of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series where international top Figure Skaters will collect points towards the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN) on December 7-10.
Hocke/Kunkel opened their Rock’n’Roll themed program with a triple twist, but then Hocke fell on the side by side triple Salchow. The German Champions recovered to nail a throw triple flip and picked up a level four for all elements to score 63.59 points.
Hocke and Kunkel scored 63.59 in the Short Program at Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU
“For us it doesn’t feel like opening the season, this is already our fourth competition and it feels like middle of the season,” Hocke commented.
“Obviously, there was a big mistake, I fell on the Sal, but we can be proud of the rest. We had to deal with jet lag today and what we were focusing on was staying awake.”
Skating to “River” by Bishop Briggs, Pereira/Michaud produced a triple twist, side by side triple toe and throw triple loop to post a seasons best of 63.22 points.
Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud in action on Day 1 of Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU
“This is a great first Grand Prix for both of us,” Pereira told the press. “This time last year I was watching the Skate America pairs event to learn the pair rules, so to be here is pretty cool. We are proud of ourselves. (Being in a medal position is) very exciting.
"It was something on our minds coming in this competition, but we wanted to go out and skate like we do in practice and we did that. Now we are excited for tomorrow.”
Liu/Nagy’s performance to “Dive” by Ed Sheeran featured a triple twist, throw triple Salchow and a somewhat shaky side by side triple Salchow. The brand new team that skates together for less than a year achieved a new personal best of 61.23 points.
Chelsea Liu and Balazs Nagy on their way to third place in the Short Program at Skate America 2023 in Allen, Texas © ISU
“I think both Chelsea and I are very happy with our skate,” Nagy said. “We just started skating together this year. It feels good to have shown improvement throughout the season.”
Isabelle Martins/Ryan Bedard (USA) finished fourth at 52.59 points followed by Irma Caldara/Riccardo Maglio (ITA) on 52.22 points.
Isabella Martins and Ryan Bedard on home ice during Day 1 of Skate America 2023 in Allen, USA © ISU
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series consists of six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, the Grand Prix Espoo (FIN) and NHK Trophy(JPN). Skaters collect points to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN).
The General Announcement of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series is available here on the ISU website. The individual announcements are published on the ISU Event section under each dedicated Grand Prix event (filter with the relevant Event Series).
For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.
All Media Accreditation details and deadlines for the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series can be found here.
Where to Watch
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be live streamed on the official ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating YouTube Channel in most countries. Find out Where to watch the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions.
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ISU Grand Prix Schedule
The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events are available below:
20 - 22 Oct, 2023 Skate America, Allen, Texas (USA)
27 – 29 Oct, 2023 Skate Canada International, Vancouver (CAN)
3 - 5 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix de France, Angers (FRA)
10 - 12 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN)
17 - 19 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Espoo, Espoo (FIN)
24 - 26 Nov, 2023 NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN)
7 - 10 Dec, 2023 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Beijing (CHN)
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
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. The top six of the past World Championships are seeded. Competitors collect points in their events towards the qualification for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Only the top six Skaters / Couples in each discipline qualify for the Final.
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