Lindsay Thorngren pulled off a shock win in the Short Program at NHK Trophy 2023 in Osaka, Japan © ISU
Lindsay Thorngren (USA) claimed a surprise win in the Women’s Short Program as the NHK Trophy continued in Osaka (JPN) Friday. The NHK Trophy is the sixth and concluding event of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series and is the final opportunity to get into the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN) December 7-10.
Little heralded Thorngren caused an upset, outskating the favorites for a solid lead of a little over five points. Grand Prix de France silver medalist Nina Pinzarrone of Belgium came second ahead of reigning ISU World silver medalist Haein Lee of Korea.
Thorngren’s performance to “Windmills of Your Mind” was highlighted by a triple Lutz-triple toe combination, double Axel, triple flip as well as by excellent spins. The U.S. Skater collected a level four for the spins and footwork and achieved a season’s best of 68.93 points.
Thorngren picked up a season's best score in the Short Program at NHK Trophy 2023 in Osaka, Japan © ISU
“Honestly, it is unexpected to be in first place but I am ready to fight for a medal tomorrow. "I will do my best and hope to skate clean,” Thorngren commented.
Skating to “Charms” from the “W.E.” soundtrack Pinzarrone completed a double Axel, triple loop as well as two level-four spins. However, the Grand Prix de France silver medalist underrotated the triple Lutz in her combination with a triple toe. The Belgian Champion scored 63.44 points.
Nina Pinzarrone claimed second place in the Short Program at NHK Trophy 2023 in Osaka, Japan © ISU
“I’m happy to be here but I am disappointed with my performance,” Pinzarrone said. “I know I can do much better. I will fight tomorrow and want to do my best. After (the Grand Prix in) France I was very happy and I didn’t expect to be on the podium. But I knew that I was capable of the skates I did there and it gave me a positive impact.
"I know I can do it. I know I’m really enjoying the feeling of performing well and I try to do it every time.”
Lee’s mermaid program to “Sirens” included a double Axel and difficult spins and steps. However, the 2023 ISU Four Continents Champion lost some points with underrotations in her triple Lutz-triple toe combination and the triple flip. Lee earned 62.93 points.
Haein Lee ended Day 1 of NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan in third place © ISU
“Right after the Grand Prix in France I was dead mentally and physically, but I didn’t give up. It was not the end and I trained a lot more than before. I’m alive now and I’m here on the podium in third place,” Lee said.
“I will not give up, try to do my best and skate a clean program tomorrow. I think I was so nervous at France GP and here because I don’t have any Grand Prix medals. I really want to get a medal in the Grand Prix series.”
Mai Mihara (JPN) remains within striking distance of the podium at 62.82 points followed by Ava Marie Ziegler (USA) on 62.04 points. Seoyeong Wi (KOR) placed sixth (60.63 points). Some of the top contenders faltered. Defending NHK Trophy Champion Yelim Kim (KOR) ranks seventh (59.33 points) and ISU European Champion Anastasiia Gubanova (GEO) sits in tenth place before the final Free Skating (55.80 points).
Mai Mihara remains in contention with a fourth place in the Short Program at NHK Trophy 2023 in Osaka, Japan © ISU
Full results for NHK Trophy are available here.
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
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 Accreditations 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 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.
Subscribe to the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating YouTube Channel to receive all the latest videos and follow the conversation with #GPFigure.
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)
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 can qualify for the Final.
Stay connected with the ISU:
ISU Website: ISU News
ISU Newsletter: Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter to get the latest news and press releases
.png)
