Japan's Kaori Sakamoto finished first in the Women's Short Program at Skate Canada International in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday. © ISU
Two-time ISU World Champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan won the Women’s Short Program ahead of Korea’s Chaeyeon Kim and Rino Matsuike, also of Japan, at Skate Canada International in Vancouver, B.C. on Friday.
Performing to “Baby, God Bless You”, Sakamoto hit a big double Axel, a triple Lutz and a triple flip-triple toe, as well as two level-four spins and level-four footwork. The 2022 Olympic bronze medalist scored 75.13 points, just short of her season best.
“My short program today went pretty well until my triple Lutz,” Sakamoto said.
“In the combination after the triple flip, I was off axis and I wondered whether I should do a double or a triple toe, but I heard my coach at the boards yelling ‘hai’, so I went for it. I feel the need to focus really hard in my free skating tomorrow.”
Kim impressed in what was her ISU Grand Prix debut at the senior level. The 16-year-old produced a double Axel, triple Lutz-triple toe combination and triple flip in her routine, set to music from the Pina soundtrack. The current ISU Junior Grand Prix Final bronze medalist achieved a new season best with 70.31 points.
Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) is in second place after the Women's Short Program at Skate Canada International in Vancouver, Canada. © ISU
“I am very nervous but I did clean, so I am very happy. I got a level three in my layback spin, so I am a little bit sad. I’m happy to be here and my goal is to make the Grand Prix Final.”
Rino Matsuike’s program to “One Day I’ll Fly Away” was highlighted by a triple flip and difficult spins. However, her triple Lutz-triple toe combination was underrotated. The Japanese skater earned 66.29 points, just below her personal best score.
Japan's Rino Matsuike placed third in the Women's Short Program at Skate Canada International in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday. © ISU
“The combo didn’t really go as I wished, so there is a little disappointment, but more than that I was so happy having fun and being able to perform without injury. It has been a long time since I felt like that."
Audrey Shin (USA) remains close to the podium in fourth place at 65.19 points. Lindsay Thorngren (USA) was fifth (61.99 points), followed by Starr Andrews (USA) on 61.07 points. Defending Skate Canada Champion Rinka Watanabe (JPN) fell on her triple loop and currently ranks seventh with 57.52 points.
Audrey Shin (USA) is fourth after the Women's Short Program at Skate Canada International in Vancouver, Canada. © 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 as 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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