Courmayeur / Italy

The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2014 opened in Courmayeur, Italy, Friday with the Short Program.

Team Finland 1 skates to the lead

Team Finland 1 (Marigold Ice Unity) skated to the lead in the Short Program. Team Finland 2 (Rockettes) edged out Team Canada 1 (Nexxice) for second place.

Marigold Ice Unity opened their fast paced African inspired routine with the intersection, followed by the block and the wheel. Their moves in the field and no hold element were flawless as well and the Finns picked up a level four for all five elements. They scored 76.14 points.

The Rockettes (Finland 2) put out a dynamic “Tahitian Dance” that was highlighted by a complex intersection and the wheel. They collected the same levels as the leaders and received 74.14 points.

Skating to “Cinderella” by Sergei Prokofiev, Nexxice (Canada 1) produced five level-four elements as well to earn 74.85 points.

Team Russia 1 (Paradise) remained in contention for a medal with 73.83 points. The 2013 bronze medallists Team USA 1 (Haydenettes) finished fifth with 68.66 points followed by Sweden 1 (Team Surprise) with 68.46 points.

23 teams from 18 ISU members are competing in the ISU World Synchronized Championships 2014. The Championship concludes Saturday with the Free Skating. A live stream will be available on the ISU Skating Channel.

For more information and full entry lists and results please see: www.isu.org and www.2014synchroworlds.com .