Alysa Liu (USA) landed a triple Axel-triple toeloop to take a narrow lead in the Junior Ladies Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Torino (ITA) Thursday. Russia’s Daria Usacheva and Kseniia Sinitsyna came second and third.
Alysa Liu of USA 2019©International Skating Union (ISU)
Skating to “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, Liu hit a triple Axel-triple toeloop combination, a triple loop and double Axel. The U.S. Champion collected a level four for her spins and a level three for the step sequence to score 71.19 points. The triple Axel is not allowed as the solo Axel in the Junior Ladies Short Program, but it is possible to do it in combination. “My short program felt pretty good. I was very happy with it. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment even during the program. I don’t really get nervous and I don’t feel barely any pressure. I just tell myself it’s just another competition,” Liu said. “Tomorrow I’m planning two quad Lutzes and two triple Axels and hopefully show them completed and landed and there’ll be some changes to the choreography,” the JGP Lake Placid Champion continued.
Daria Usacheva of Russia 2019©International Skating Union (ISU)
Usacheva’s program to “Please Don't Make Me Love You” by Linda Eder was highlighted by a triple loop, triple Lutz-triple toeloop combination and level-four spins. The 13-year-old was awarded 70.15 points. “I expected a good result but of course you always want to do and get more. In general I was not nervous today, I was quite confident and was trying to imagine like I was skating on my practice. I had a good day and was in a good mood,” Usacheva shared. “Of course I see these Olympic rings in the arena and they give it the special atmosphere, they make you feel something huge that everyone dreams to go to the Olympic Games,” she added.
Kseniia Sinitsyna of Russia 2019©International Skating Union (ISU)
Sinitsyna completed a triple loop, triple Lutz-triple toeloop and double Axel in her Flamenco-themed routine to “Alfonsina Y El Mar” by Ane Brun. The JGP Egna Champion picked up 69.40 points. “I skated clean but I wanted even better, but it is what it is. I’m happy, but not fully. I want my skating, and every movement and every step, to be perfect. I want to tell a story, show creativity and express the music,” the 15-year-old noted.
Kamila Valieva (RUS) remains close to the podium in fourth place on 69.02 points. Viktoria Vasilieva (RUS) follows in fifth (68.07 points) while Haein Lee (KOR) finished sixth with 65.39 points.
Schedule of the event
Thursday, December 5: Junior Men, Junior Pairs & Junior Ladies Short Programs, Pairs & Men’s Short Program
Friday, December 6: Junior Rhythm Dance & Junior Ladies Free Skating, Rhythm Dance, Ladies Short Program, Pairs Free Skating
Saturday, December 7: Men’s Free Skating, Junior Pairs & Men’s Free Skating, Junior Free Dance, Free Dance & Ladies Free Skating
Sunday, December 8: Exhibition Gala
Where to watch and follow the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2019?
Viewers will be able to watch the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final on ISU Junior Grand Prix YouTube Channel or for viewers in Japan on TV Asahi and viewers in Korean on SBS.
English commentary will be included on the live stream.
Subscribe to the ISU Newsletter to receive the latest information and you can also subscribe to the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating YouTube Channel l to receive notifications when live streams start or new videos are published.
Highlights, clips, interviews, behind the scenes:
YouTube: ISU Junior Grand Prix
Facebook: @ISU Figure Skating
Twitter: @ISU_Figure
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ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2019
Courchevel, France - August 22 to 24
Lake Placid, USA - August 29 to August 31
Riga, Latvia – September 5 to 7
Chelyabinsk, Russia - September 12 to 14
Gdansk, Poland - September 19 to 21
Zagreb, Croatia – September 26 to 28
ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final – Torino, Italy - December 5 to 8
