NHK Trophy 2023: Lindsay Thorngren in surprise lead after women's short program

Lindsay Thorngren of the United States emerged as the surprise leader from the women’s short program at the NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan, on Friday (24 November).

The 17-year-old high school student out of New Jersey upstaged the likes of Nina Pinzarrone (63.44), Lee Hae-in (62.93) and Mihara Mai (62.82) with a flawless season-best 68.93 to take a five-point lead into Saturday’s free skate.

Thorngren, in only her second senior season, was coming off fifth place at Skate Canada. She seemed to be more shocked than anyone to be sitting in first halfway through the contest.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect to be in first place after the short program but I’m pleasantly surprised,” said Thorngren, who couldn’t contain a smile and giggles as she spoke to reporters.

“But I’m ready to fight for a medal tomorrow and just do my best and see, enjoy skating.”

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Lee Hae-in: "I was so nervous"

Thorngren capitalised on a less-than smashing afternoon from the usual suspects like Lee, who is eyeing her first Grand Prix win here.

But the Republic of Korea’s next big hope was not exactly clean, losing points on her opening triple lutz-toeloop combo jump and was wobbly on her triple flip.

The 18-year-old, fourth at the Grand Prix de France, admitted she had a case of the nerves - again.

“I was so nervous in the France Grand Prix and here, too,” Lee said. “I don’t have any Grand Prix medals and I really wanted to get a medal in France. It made me nervous.

“I was so nervous today as well but after France I felt sad and disappointed. I will try my best tomorrow.”

Reigning Grand Prix Final champion Mihara was tops from the home team with Aoki Yuna and Higuchi Wakaba a distant eighth (58.28) and 11th (52.18), respectively.

Mihara, still nursing a right-ankle injury that forced her out of the Cup of China, was better than widely anticipated in her season debut, getting through her program mistake-free.

But having to scale back her elements due to her ankle, Mihara simply did not have enough to stay inside podium range. She was a dozen points off her personal best on this day.

“There’s a lot I wish I could do and I’m not close to performing at my best but I’m glad to be back on this stage at the NHK Trophy,” said the 24-year-old.

“Considering it was my first competition of the season, I’m trying to take a positive look at this.”