Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) celebrate their Ice Dance World title on Saturday at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal © ISU
Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) secured their second consecutive World title at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal (CAN) on Saturday.
Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) dance to back-to-back titles
Madison Chock/Evan Bates (USA) danced off with their second World title in what was an exciting Ice Dance Final on Saturday.
Canada’s Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier moved up from third place to take the silver medal, while the bronze went to Charlène Guignard/Marco Fabbri of Italy.
Chock/Bates delivered a captivating performance of their “Time” program by Pink Floyd, showcasing difficult elements that seamlessly transitioned from one to the other. The three-time Four Continents Champions earned a level four for their lifts, dance spin and twizzles, however the stationary lift at the beginning of the program was rated a level two. Chock/Bates scored 132.12 points and ranked second in the Free Dance, but remained first overall with 222.20 points.
“It was incredibly fun to perform today. We're so happy to finish the season with a strong skate. We’re so happy to be in our adopted hometown of Montreal,” Chock said. “Even on that first misstep on the first lift we just got back into it. We put so much into the program and it’s come so far this season. We’re proud to deliver what we practised. The improvements we made to the program after Nationals really elevated the program."
Bates agreed.
“You could hear the energy of the crowd right over the boards and they were really with us. We left it all there on the ice and did everything we could, so we’re satisfied and fulfilled with the effort.”
Gilles/Poirier skated last and ended the competition on a high note with their dramatic dance to “Wuthering Heights”. The two-time World bronze medalists produced intricate footwork and difficult lifts, picking up mostly levels four and three. The Canadian Champions won the Free Dance with a personal best of 133.17 points and moved up one spot to second at 219.68 points.
“I think we really laid everything on the table today. This is what this program calls for, showing those emotions with love. We shared a lot of love with Canada today,” Gilles said. “Our journey is upwards at this point. We have our first silver medal at the World Championships. Maybe the next step will be gold, but I don’t know. We’re going to take some time to figure that out.”
Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier (CAN) won the Free Dance on Saturday to finish second overall at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal © ISU
Poirier was trying to enjoy the moment.
“I don't think you ever say anything is perfect — that’s what makes us athletes, and makes us want to get better — but I think it was such a special moment for us sharing that with all of Canada in front of a Canadian crowd. They were so wonderful and giving to us. I think it was just so much relief that the work we had done carried us through that program and allowed us to skate with emotion and realness and in such a genuine way.”
Performing to “The Theory of Everything”, Guignard/Fabbri turned in another emotional and beautiful dance, highlighted by footwork and lifts that appeared to be effortless. There was just a small glitch when Guignard’s blade caught her skirt and ripped it, and the following stationary lift was rated a level two. The Italian Champions were third in the Free Dance at 129.00 points and slipped to third from second overall with 216.52 points.
“We are super pleased that we fought through the program. I am a bit sick since the beginning of the week so it was a bit hard,” Fabbri revealed. “We are happy with the result because our goal was to get onto the podium again and we are just the second Italian dance couple to have achieved that after our coach Barbara Fusar-Poli. We are proud and happy that this season is over and we can rest a little.”
Charlène Guignard/Marco Fabbri (ITA) claimed Ice Dance bronze on Saturday at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal © ISU
Guignard explained the costume malfunction.
”At the end of the sliding move my costume got caught at the top of the blade and when I got up I noticed that something pulled to the other side. I saw that the skirt was torn and I thought, what can I do? I just continued as if nothing had happened. Marco saw it and was a bit cautious on the next lift, but it doesn’t matter. It did not affect the result.”
European silver medalists Lilah Fear/Lewis Gibson (GBR) finished fourth with their entertaining “Rocky” program at 210.92 points. ISU Grand Prix Finalists Marjoie Lajoie/Zachary Lagha (CAN) finished a strong fifth on 208.01 points, followed by 2024 ISU European bronze medalists Allison Reed/Saulius Ambrulevicius (LTU) on 200.96 points.
Lilah Fear/Lewis Gibson (GBR) finished just off the podium in fourth at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal on Saturday © ISU
Schedule of the event
The schedule of the ISU World Figure Skating Championships is as follows:
Wednesday, March 20: Pairs & Women's Short Programs
Thursday, March 21: Men's Short Program, Pairs Free Skating
Friday, March 22: Rhythm Dance & Women's Free Skating
Saturday, March 23: Free Dance & Men's Free Skating
Sunday, March 24: Exhibition Gala
For full entries and results, please see the ISU event page and the official website. Follow the discussion on social media using #WorldFigure and #FigureSkating.
Where to watch the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2024:
The ISU World Figure Skating Championships will be live streamed on the Skating ISU YouTube Channel. Geo-restrictions will apply in markets where TV rights are in place. You will find the full list in the Where to Watch news here.
Subscribe to the Skating ISU YouTube Channel to receive alerts when the live streams start and when new videos are posted.
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