Two-time ISU World bronze medalists Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier of Canada took the first step towards their maiden ISU Four Continents title by winning the Rhythm Dance in Shanghai on Friday. Teammates Laurence Fournier Beaudry/Nikolaj Soerensen are 3.47 points behind in second place, with Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko (USA) in third.
Gilles/Poirier turned in a confident performance of their dance to “Addicted to Love”. The Canadian Champions collected a level four for the twizzles and the rotational lift while the midline step sequence garnered a level three and the Pattern Dance step sequence a level two. The ISU Grand Prix Final bronze medalists scored 85.49 points.
Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier (CAN) took a narrow lead in the Rhythm Dance as they bid to win their first ISU Four Continents gold. © ISU
“We're really pleased with our performance today,” Poirier told the press.
“We really wanted to feel grounded, connected with each other, connected with our music, and really perform the program. I think we were able to accomplish that. We felt really comfortable out on the legs.”
Fournier Beaudry/Soerensen’s dance to “Top Gun” was highlighted by a straight line lift and fast-paced footwork. The lift merited a level four as did her part of the twizzles while his twizzles were rated a level three. The diagonal step sequence was a level three and two. The 2023 ISU Four Continents silver medalists scored 82.02 points.
Laurence Fournier Beaudry/Nikolaj Soerensen (CAN) took the breath away with their Top Gun routine to lie second. © ISU
“We're just so happy to be out there, we're having such a good time performing this program every time,” Soerensen said.
“The goal was to win, the goal is still to win. We're in striking position from second place, so hopefully we can make that happen the day after tomorrow,” he added.
Dancing to “Whole Lotta Trouble” and “Edge of Seventeen”, Carreira/Ponomarenko earned a level four for their curve lift and a level three for the twizzles to achieve a new season's best of 77.47 points.
Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko (USA) earned a new season's best as they look to build on their silver at the US nationals. © ISU
“Overall, we're really happy with how today went. Our goal coming into this competition is to capitalize on the momentum we created at the US Championships last week. So overall, very happy and looking forward going into the free dance,” Ponomarenko commented.
Emilea Zingas/Vadym Kolsenik (USA) remain close to the podium in fourth place at 75.76 points followed closely by 2022 ISU Four Continents Champions Caroline Green/Michael Parsons (USA) in fifth place (75.37 points). Misato Komatsubara/Tim Koleto (JPN) are currently sitting in sixth at 71.29 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.
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