The new team of Alexa Scimeca Knierim/Brandon Frazier (USA) stormed into the lead in the Pairs Short Program at Guaranteed Rate Skate America in Las Vegas (USA) on Friday. Jessica Calalang/Brian Johnson (USA) and Audrey Lu/Misha Mitrofanov (USA) came second and third respectively.
Scimeca Knierim/Frazier impressed in their debut and competed a triple twist, side by side triple toe and throw triple loop in their routine set to “In the End” by Tommee Profitt. They skated first and set the bar high with 74.19 points. “I always like to dream big but I did not expect to be where we are today so soon,” Scimeca Knierim said. “We’ve been working really hard at home. We didn’t have much expectation coming in since this is our first real event. We’re happy with how we skated but we know we have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Alexa Scimeca Knierim and Brandon Frazier (USA) at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating (USA) 2020 © Getty Images
Calalang/Johnson’s program to “Light of the Seven” from the “Game of Thrones” soundtrack was highlighted by a triple twist, difficult lift and throw triple Lutz. However, Calalang fell on a triple Salchow attempt while Johnson doubled the jump. They scored 71.08 points. “Our performance wasn’t the best. We did have a mistake at the beginning but we really tried to focus on our performance and overall skating skills,” Calalang said.
Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson (USA) at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating (USA) 2020 © Getty Images
Lu/Mitrofanov put out a solid program to “The Show Must Go On”, landing a triple Salchow, triple twist and throw triple loop for a score of 67.52 points. “We put down a very solid program and this gives us confidence right now going into the free skate,” Mitrofanov commented. “It is surprising for us to be in third place but we’re super happy. Going into tomorrow, we’re going to stay focused and do what we did today,” Lu added.
2018 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating silver medalists Ashley Cain-Gribble/Timothy LeDuc (USA) placed fourth on 64.21 points. 2018 ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Champions Tarah Kayne/Danny O’Shea (USA) made some errors to finish fifth in the segment (59.86 points).
Audrey Lu and Misha Mitrofanov (USA) at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating (USA) 2020 © Getty Images
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ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020
- 2020 Guaranteed Rate Skate America, Las Vegas (USA) – October 22-24
- SHISEIDO Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN) – November 6-8
- Rostelecom Cup, Moscow (RUS) – November 20-22
- NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN) – November 27-29
- ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final – Beijing (CHN)postponed
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final that was to be held as an Olympic Test Event on December 10-13 has been postponed. The ISU, in consultation with all stakeholders and considering the pandemic developments, is evaluating the continuation of the 2020/21 season, in particular the re-scheduling possibilities for the important Olympic Test Events.
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series
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. Due to the current situation, the usual selection criteria do not apply. Please see the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating page for further information.