Loena Hendrickx (BEL) leads in the Women’s Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix in Chongqing, China © ISU
Despite a setback, Loena Hendrickx leads the Women’s Short Program, as the Figure Skating continued in Chongqing (CHN) Friday with the Cup of China. The competition is the fourth of six events of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series with the World’s best Figure Skaters competing and vying for a spot in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN) on December 7-10.
Loena Hendrickx (BEL) takes lead in Women’s Short Program
ISU World bronze medalist Loena Hendrickx of Belgium leads the Women’s Short Program, but there were a few surprises along the way. Japan’sRinka Watanabe and Hana Yoshida follow in second and third place heading into the Free Skating on Saturday.
Hendrickx put out a stylish performance of her modern dance routine set to “I’m nin’alu” and “Living for Love”, completing a triple flip, triple Lutz-triple toe (slightly underrotated) as well as a level-four camel spin and step sequence. However, the 24-year-old 2023 Skate America Champion singled her Axel. Nevertheless, she took the lead with 70.65 points.
“It was not my best performance. I’m a little sad, it was a stupid mistake. But let’s be positive for tomorrow and just enjoy skating,” Hendrickx told the press.
“I was a little early in time, I was standing a bit longer before my Axel and the concentration was gone, but I just have to jump anyway,” she explained, when asked about singling the Axel.
Skating to music from the “Avatar” soundtrack, Watanabe produced a double Axel, a triple Lutz and difficult spins and steps.
Rinka Watanabe (JPN) in the Women’s Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix in Chongqing, China © ISU
She only slightly underrotated both jumps in her triple loop-triple toe combination. The Japanese Skater posted a seasons best with 65.09 points.
“Since Skate Canada, two weeks have passed, and a lot happened during these weeks. I worked very hard to adjust my performance,” Watanabe said.
“I do have some regrets for the free skating I will work hard to give my pest performance. I think I can enjoy my performance today and I hope to skate with no mistakes tomorrow.”
She added that she will most likely not attempt a triple Axel in the Free Skating.
Yoshida missed her opening triple Axel in her program to “Koo Koo Fun”, but recovered to hit a triple Lutz-triple toe and a triple loop to earn 64.65 points.
Hana Yoshida (JPN) in the Women’s Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix in Chongqing, China © ISU
“I think I did well. I concentrated for the rest of the program (after the fall) and I am happy to be sitting here and that I can perform in the second group tomorrow,” Yoshida said.
“My short program was choreographed by Kaitlyn Weaver. She chose the music for me. It was a challenge and very hard for me.
“Today I was able to just enjoy the audience and I think it was the most fun short program throughout this season,” the 18-year-old added.
Skate America bronze medalist Niina Petrokina (EST) remains close the podium in fourth place at 62.58 points. Hongyi Chen (CHN) came fifth on 62.57 points while Xiangyi An (CHN) ranks sixth at 61.86 points.
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 towards to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN).
ISU Grand Prix Standings
For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.
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Where to Watch
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be live streamed with English commentary 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)
03 - 05 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)
07 - 10 Dec, 2023 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Beijing (CHN)
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