American, Russian and Canadian skaters lead the way following day one of the ISU Junior Grand Prix at Minoru Arenas.
Russia’s Anna Shcherbakova (65.07) and Anastasia Tarakanova (64.56) sit first and second after the Junior Ladies short program. Korea’s Jihun To (60.74) and Young You (60.66) are next. Top Canadian is Hannah Dawson in ninth place (54.02) heading into today’s free skate.
Connaught Skating Club’s own Annie Lin had a terrific skate representing Chinese Taipei, placing 18th with a score of 36.77
On the Junior Men’s side, 2016 Junior World bronze medalist Tomoki Hiwatashi, 18, leads the way after the short program with a 76.81. The 18-year-old from New Jersey is just ahead of Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama (75.60). Ontario’s Iliya Kovler, 15, leads the Canadian contingent in third place at 72.16.
Toronto’s Stephen Gogolev, 13, is seventh (63.63) while B.C.’s Beres Clements, 16, is in ninth with a season best score of 60.78.
Connaught’s Micah Lynette thrilled his supporters with an excellent performance that leaves him 12th at 58.27. The two-time Thailand national champion had rushed back from an ankle injury to compete on his home ice.
It’s Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha of Canada leading the way after the Junior Ice Dance rhythm dance with a 65.57, leaving them comfortably ahead of Russia’s Ksenia Konkina and Alexander Vakhnov (60.34).
Two other Canadian entries — Natalie D’Alessandro/Bruce Waddell (52.94) and Miku Makita and Tyler Gunara (46.49) sit sevneth and eighth respectively.
Friday’s schedule begins with the Junior Pairs short program at noon, the Junior Ladies Free Skate at 2:15 p.m. and the Junior Ice Dance free dance starting at 7:15 p.m.
The Grand Prix concludes Saturday with the free skate for junior men’s (12:30 p.m.) and Junior Pairs (4:10 p.m.).
Tickets are available at the door.
