Moscow, Russia

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Anastasia Mishina/Aleksandr Galliamov edged their Russian compatriots and ISU European Champions Aleksandra Boikova/Dmitrii Kozlovskii for a narrow lead in the Pairs Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Rostelecom Cup in Moscow on Friday. ISU World Junior Champions Apollinariia Panfilova/Dmitry Rylov (RUS) are sitting in third. 

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Leaders Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov (RUS) think they can improve on their entertaining performance © International Skating Union (ISU)

Mishina/Galliamov delivered a confident performance of their entertaining program to “Esmeralda”, completing a triple twist, high throw triple Lutz and original lift. The twist, death spiral, spin, footwork and lift all merited a level four. The only glitch came when Mishina stepped out of the landing of the side by side triple Salchow. The 2019 ISU Grand Prix Final bronze medalists scored 79.34 points. 

“We made some mistakes that should not happen),” Mishina said. “Maybe we were not completely recovered from Kazan (the competition a week ago).”

Galliamov added: “We are very happy for the fans that came here to support us and wanted to give them something to enjoy. We skated for them.”

Boikova/Kozlovskii looked very strong in their lyrical performance to “The Star of Captivating Happiness” that featured a perfect side by side triple Salchow and a big triple twist. The pair from St. Petersburg collected a level four for five elements as well. However, Boikova stumbled on the throw triple flip. The Russian Champions netted 78.29 points. 

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European champions Aleksandra Boikova and Dmitrii Kozlovskii (RUS) © International Skating Union (ISU)

“It was a nice feeling to compete with the top teams from our country,” Kozlovskii said. “We liked our performance and, while maybe not everything was perfect, we feel that the interpretation and presentation was at a very high level.”

Skating to “Joker” and “Birds of Prey”, Panfilova/Rylov impressed especially with their triple twist, throw triple flip and lift. They completed a side by side double Axel and the lifts and the death spiral garnered a level four. The reigning World Junior Champions earned 73.84 points. 

“We are quite pleased with today’s performance as it was our first time out this season,” Panfilova said. “We missed a lot of practice and competitions. We had some problems with the levels of some elements, but this is something that we can fix.”  

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Debutants Iasmina Kadyrova and Ivan Balchenko (RUS) are sitting just outside the podium positions © International Skating Union (ISU)

The new team of Iasmina Kadyrova/Ivan Balchenko (RUS) debuted in international competition and finished fourth with a clean program that included a side by side triple flip (31.92 points). Russia’s 2020 ISU World Junior bronze medalists Iuliia Artemeva/Mikhail Nazarychev came fifth on 70.11 points.

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ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final that was to be held as an Olympic Test Event on December 10-13 has been postponed. The ISU, in consultation with all stakeholders and considering the pandemic developments, is evaluating the continuation of the 2020/21 season.

About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known a s the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Due to the current situation, the usual selection criteria do not apply. Please see the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating page for further information.