Vancouver, Canada

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Nathan Chen (USA) skated to a strong lead in the Short Program with 12 points to spare, redeeming himself from the subpar performance at Skate America the week before. Teammate Jason Brown came second ahead of Canada’s Keegan Messing.

Performing to “Eternity” and “Nemesis” by Benjamin Clementine, Chen hit a quad Lutz, triple Axel and quad toe-triple toe and level-four spins and footwork. The three-time World Champion picked up a season’s best of 106.72 points.

Nathan Chen USA GettyImages 1350109254

Nathan Chen (USA) © International Skating Union (ISU)

“I had pretty tough skates at Skate America. I'm happy to have an opportunity right off the bat to give myself another shot and I'm much happier with how today went,” Chen said. “Between Skate America and Skate Canada I came to Canada early and I was here for the past couple of days. It was really nice to be able to skate here and to kind of get my feet under me right after competition.

“I find that anytime, both in practice and in competition, when you don't do well, I want immediately another opportunity to try. I don't know if it is going to be successful or not, but at least I want that next opportunity to try again.”

Brown delivered a delightful performance to “Sinnerman“ that featured a triple Axel, triple flip, triple Lutz-triple toe and level-four spins. The 2020 ISU Four Continents silver medalist earned 94.00 points.

“I'm pleased with my short program today. I keep gaining more confidence with the program as the season goes on,” Brown said. “There are still points left on the table that I am determined to grab. I'm pleased, but also hungry for more.”

Messing landed a quad toe-triple toe, triple Axel and triple Lutz and impressed with fast spin in his routine to “Never Tear Us Apart” to set a season’s best of 93.28 points.

“To skate with a live audience again, to be back with a home crowd, is just a fantastic feeling. To put out a strong skate and to be here with these excellent skaters, I am overjoyed,” the 2020 ISU Grand Prix Skate America bronze medalist said. 

Makar Ignatov (RUS) landed a quadruple loop and is currently ranked fourth with a personal best score of 89.79 points. Evgeni Semenenko (RUS) came fifth (87.71) followed by Keiji Tanaka (JPN) on 78.83 points.

For full results, click here.