Colorado Springs / United States

The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships opened in Colorado Springs, CO (USA) Friday with the Short Program. A total of 24 teams representing 19 ISU members are competing in the Championships.

WSYSC-Day1-666035444Team Paradise (RUS) takes lead in Short Program

Defending World Champions Team Paradise of Russia took the lead in the Short Program. Finland’s Marigold Ice Unity and RCKT are not far behind sitting in second and third.

Team Paradise opened their program to “Listen” by Beyonce with an excellent Move Element that garnered a level three and +3 Grade of Execution scores from all nine judges. The Russians collected a level four for the Rotating Circle, the Block and the No Hold Element to earn 72.62 points.

Marigold Ice Unity’s Spanish themed routine to “El Matador”, “Espana Cani” and “Olé” was highlighted by a two level-four No Hold Element and level-four Rotating Circle as well as by three level-three elements. The Finns scored 70.88 points.

Reigning World silver medalists RCKT (also known as the Rockettes) turned in a strong performance to “Mirror Mirror” by Jeff Williams as well, producing a level-four No Hold Element and Rotating Circle and picking up a level three for the other three elements. The Finnish team received 69.18 points.

2015 World Champions Team Nexxice (CAN) came fourth at 67.17 points. The 2016 World bronze medalists Haydenettes (USA) ranked fifth and lost two points because of falls (63.90 points). Tatarstan (RUS) finished sixth with 62.63 points.

The Short Program consists of five required elements: Intersection Element, Move Element, No Hold Element, Pivoting Element – Block and Rotating Element – Circle. The Short Program is 2 min 50 seconds +/- 10 seconds in length.

Originally called Precision Skating, Synchronized Skating was introduced in the 1950s. It is a highly technical form of Figure Skating characterized by speed, precisions, unison, intricate formations, synchro elements, difficult footwork, spectacular lifts and exciting transitions. A synchronized team consists of 16 skaters (plus up to four alternates).

The ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2017 conclude Saturday with the Free Skating. For more information, full entry lists and results please see: www.isu.org and the official event page www.2017synchroworlds.com Hashtag: #WorldSynchro and #wsyscoloradosprings