2023 ISU Four Continents bronze medalist Mone Chiba of Japan skated to the lead in a Women’s Short Program that brought a few surprises as the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships opened in Shanghai (CHN) Thursday.
Korea’s Chaeyeon Kim sits not far behind in second place, while Ava Marie Ziegler (USA) came third in the first segment of the Women’s competition.
Skating to a French version of “Dark Eyes”, Chiba delivered an excellent performance that featured a triple flip-triple toe, a triple Lutz as well a double Axel and level-four spins and footwork. The Japanese National silver medalist set a new season’s best of 71.10 points.
Mone Chiba (JPN) picked up a season's best in the Short Program with an excellent performance to 'Dark Eyes'. © Annice Lyn
“I was very nervous, but I landed all my jumps which was very good and I was very relieved. The expression from the beginning to the end is also very good,” the 18-year-old commented.
“I will not say I don’t care about last year's medal, but I tried not to care and focus on this competition. In the free skating I should also give my best.”
Kim completed a double Axel, triple Lutz-triple toe, triple flip as well as level-four spins and steps in her program to “Pina”. The 2023 Skate Canada silver medalist picked up 69.77 points.
Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) overcame some nerves to exceed her own expectations and deliver a strong performance. © Annice Lyn
“Before the competition, I was a bit nervous. Although there was a small mistake during the performance, I didn't fall. Compared to my expectations, I did my best, so I'm very happy,” Kim commented.
“In the previous Four Continents Championships, I had many mistakes in the free skate and didn't get a good score.
“I hope I can also do well in the free skate tomorrow without any mistakes. Besides, I received a lot of support today, and I hope everyone will continue to support me tomorrow.”
Ziegler produced a triple Lutz-triple toe combination, a triple flip and double Axel in her program set to “Jazz Man” to score a personal best of 68.25 points.
Ava Marie Ziegler (USA), who skipped her national championships to focus on the Four Continents, scored a personal best. © Annice Lyn
“I feel great, super happy,” Ziegler shared. “My goal is to enjoy every single moment of every day when I'm here. I was able to get on to the ice and deliver my jumps.”
Ziegler had opted not to compete at the US National Championships and to focus on the Four Continents instead.
“Me and my team were just focused on my health. We put in a lot of consideration making sure my body is healthy and also my mind,” she explained.
Rinka Watanabe (JPN) sits in fourth close to the podium at 67.22 points, followed by two-time ISU Four Continents Champion Mai Mihara (JPN) who fell on her triple Lutz-triple toe combination (65.18 points).
Seoyeong Wi (KOR) rounds out the top six (64.44 points). Defending ISU Four Continents Champion Haein Lee (KOR) made errors on two jumps and finished in 11th place (56.07 points).
Schedule of the event
The schedule of the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is as follows:
Thursday, February 1: Women’s, Men’s & Pairs Short Programs
Friday, February 2: Rhythm Dance & Women’s Free Skating
Saturday, February 3: Pairs & Men’s Free Skating
Sunday, February 4: 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.
.png)
