Sakamoto Kaori overcomes error for slim lead at Grand Prix Espoo, Sumiyoshi Rion second
The two-time and reigning world champion failed to execute her triple-triple combination, but has a 1.04-point edge over Japanese compatriot Sumiyoshi. Kim Chae-yeon is third.
Figure Skating
Two-time and reigning world figure skating champion Sakamoto Kaori leads after the women's short program at Grand Prix Espoo - but just barely.
Sakamoto doubled her planned triple flip in her jumping combination in the short on Friday (17 November), giving her just a 1.04-point lead over Japanese compatriot Sumiyoshi Rion, 69.69 to 68.65.
Republic of Korea teenager Kim Chae-yeon is third at 66.19.
You Young of Korea (63.46) and Lorine Schild of France (61.07) round out the top five.
Sakamoto is looking for a fifth Grand Prix win of her career and second this season after capturing Skate Canada last month, showing off some of her best skating there. But she was less pleased after this skate in the outskirts of Helsinki, Finland, her score some 10 points off a personal best (80.32).
Sakamoto recently told Olympics.com that she has grown more comfortable in her role as "the one being chased" in women's skating. She'll face another challenge in said role on Saturday (18 November) evening in Espoo.
In the ice dance rhythm dance, world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the U.S. will take a three-point lead into the free dance over Canadians Laurence Fournier-Beaudry and Nikolaj Sørensen. The Americans scored a 85.61 to a 82.62 for their training mates.
Grand Prix Espoo: Sakamoto, Sumiyoshi 1-2 after short
Sakamoto had a shining skate aside from her double-triple combo, her "Baby, God Bless You" short opening with a clean double Axel before she hit a triple Lutz.
As her scores came through, the 23-year-old leaned back in the kiss and cry, eyeing her slim 1.04 margin over Sumiyoshi.
Sumiyoshi, 19, is in just her second senior season but already has a trio of Grand Prix bronze medals, including at Grand Prix de France two weeks ago.
The 16-year-old Kim claimed silver in her own Grand Prix debut last month at Skate Canada. She was called for an under-rotation on the back half of her Lutz-toe combo.
It was a disappointing outing for American Amber Glenn, who opened with a jumping error on a flip attempt and never fully recovered. She sits 11th heading into the free.
Grand Prix Espoo 2023: Schedule
All times listed are local Espoo, Finland, time (Eastern European Time GMT +2). See a full schedule here.
Saturday, 18 November
- 12:30 - Men's free skate
- 14:40 - Pairs free skate
- 17:30 - Women's free skate
- 19:40 - Ice dance free dance
Sunday, 19 November
- 14:00 - Exhibition gala