Haein Lee (KOR) rose from sixth place to snatch the ISU Four Continents crown in what was an eventful Women’s Free Skate in Colorado Springs (USA).
In an event with some unexpected turns, Lee skated off with gold and led the Korean women to a 1-2 finish: overnight leader Yelim Kim settled for the silver medal while newcomer Mone Chiba of Japan climbed from seventh to claim bronze on her ISU Championships debut.
Lee, who ranked sixth following the Short Program, skated first in the final flight and put out a flawless and expressive performance to “The Phantom of the Opera”, reeling off seven triple jumps including a triple Lutz-triple toe combination.
The 2022 ISU Four Continents silver medalist collected a level four for her spins and footwork and achieved a personal best of 141.71 points. Overall she racked up 210.84 points to take the gold and the first ISU Four Continents title for a Korean woman since Yuna Kim won in 2009.
Haein Lee (KOR) put in a flawless performance to score a personal best and rise from sixth to take the gold medal © ISU
“I always try to do my best. Last year I got the silver medal at Four Continents,” Lee said.
“But this year I tried not to focus on the final results and just on the training. And I think I did well, I made no mistakes and I’m so happy right now.
“I really didn’t expect the gold medal. I just wanted to medal.”
Overnight leader Yelim Kim had a strong start to her romantic routine to “Summer of 42” with a triple Lutz-triple toe as well as three more triples, but then she underrotated the Lutz and popped her last jump, a Salchow, into a double and stumbled. The 2022 ISU Four Continents bronze medalist was ranked third in the Free Skating with 136.45 points and slipped to second on 209.29 points.
Overnight leader Yelim Kim (KOR) could only finish third in the Free Skate, dropping to silver behind inspired teammate Lee © ISU
“I am a little disappointed in myself,” Kim admitted.
“I made one mistake at the last jump, so I’m a little sad about that.
“Starting this morning, my back was hurting, so I’m just very thankful to be here and I just focused on what I practiced.”
Skating to “The Butterfly Lovers”, Chiba delivered as well, hitting six clean triples and three level four spins to earn a personal best of 137.70 points which added up to 204.98 points.
Seventh overnight, Mone Chiba (JPN) picked up her first major championships medal with a personal best in the Free Skate © ISU
“I never dreamed of getting a bronze medal,” the 17-year-old told the press.
“I landed all my jumps and I did my best. My skating maybe was not as grand as I would have liked it, but I am still satisfied.”
Lee's gold represents the first Four Continents title for a Korean woman since Yuna Kim's victory in 2009 © ISU
Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) slipped from third to fourth place at 202.39 points after missing a triple flip. Rinka Watanabe (JPN) landed a triple Axel to move up from eighth to fifth place at 200.50 points.
Bradie Tennell (USA) continued her comeback after missing the past season due to injuries with a sixth place (199.91 points).
US and reigning World Junior Champion Isabeau Levito, who stood in second place following the Short Program, dramatically withdrew shortly before the warm-up, citing medal reasons.
Schedule of the event
The schedule of the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is as follows:
Thursday, February 9: Women’s & Men’s Short Programs
Friday, February 10: Pairs Short Program, Rhythm Dance & Women’s Free Skating
Saturday, February 11: Pairs & Men’s Free Skating
Sunday, February 12: Free Dance & Exhibition Gala
For full entries and results, please see the ISU event page and the official website. Follow the discussion on social media using #4ContsFigure and #FigureSkating.
Where to watch the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships 2023:
The ISU Four Continents 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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