Hiroshima, Japan

#GPFigure       #FigureSkating 

GP JPN Zagorski Guerreiro skate in USA 1

Russian pair Tiffani Zagorski and Jonathan Guerreiro 2018©International Skating Union (ISU)

Tiffani Zagorski/Jonathan Guerreiro of Russia captured the Rhythm Dance with almost five points to spare as the NHK Trophy continued on Saturday in Hiroshima, Japan. Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker (USA) are sitting in second place, closely followed by teammates Rachel Parsons/Michael Parsons.

Zagorski/Guerreiro put out a strong Tango to “Besame Mucho”, collecting a level four for the twizzles, the lift and the first sequence of the Tango Romantica pattern dance. The Skate America bronze medalists set a season's best with 75.49 points, despite feeling the effects of their journey to Japan. “We definitely feel a little bit the jet lag kicking in, so hopefully tomorrow we’ll feel a little better,” Guerreiro said. “I think it was quite a good performance nevertheless.”

His partner Zagorski added: “We just want to do the same tomorrow - show a nice performance and perform better than at our last Grand Prix and show everyone our improvements.”

GP JPN Kaitlin Hawayek, Jean Luc Baker

Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Vaker of USA finished in second spot after the rhythm dance 2018©International Skating Union (ISU)

Hawayek/Baker’s Tango to “Vuelvo al Sur” and “A los Amigos” was highlighted by difficult twizzles and a curve lift. However, the Tango Romantica merited only a level one and base level as the 2018 Four Continents Champions earned 70.71 points. “We’re both thrilled with the performance that we put out today. It’s been a long road and we’re really happy to be here right now,” Baker, who suffered a concussion in August, said. “We have a lot of levels to improve and we’re really looking into that for France (Grand Prix in Grenoble, 23-25 November).” 

The Parsons siblings produced a sophisticated dance to “Vuelvo al Sur” and “Tango Cha”. The 2017 World Junior Champions picked up a level four for the curve lift and the twizzles, while the Tango Romantica pattern was rated a level three and two.

“For our first skate at our first Grand Prix in Japan we’re really happy with what we did. We left some points on the ice, but in terms of feeling we’re definitely progressing this season,” Michael Parsons said.

Shiyue Wang/Xinyu Liu (CHN) lie in fourth place on 66.27 points, followed by the 2018 Four Continents silver medalists from Canada Carolane Soucisse/Shane Firus (66.01 points).

For full results click here. Follow the discussion on social media by using #GPFigure  #FigureSkating