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Post by Admin on Nov 24, 2014 21:03:47 GMT
Russian skaters made the ice in Bordeaux their own as teenagers Elena Radionova and Maxim Kovtum won the women's and men's titles at the Trophee Eric Bompard on Saturday. Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov claimed their second pairs gold in a week at the fifth of the six-leg ISU Grand Prix figure skating series, with Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron putting the hosts on the top of the podium in ice dancing. Radionova, 15, opened the gold medal rush for Russia as she glided in blue across the ice at the Meriadeck Ice Rink to take the title ahead of countrywoman Julia Lipnitskaya and two-time winner Ashley Wagner of the United States, who both fell in their free skate. After achieving a career-best short program (67.28) to take the lead on Friday, Radionova also beat her personal best in the free skate (136.64) and overall score (203.92) in her first senior season. "There's no limit to perfection," said the modest Muscovite after her technically challenging and seamless skate to 'Selections' by Sergei Rachmaninov which included seven triple jumps including three in combination with other jumps. "I can improve on my jumps, spins, steps... There's still a lot of work to be done," she added, as she booked her ticket to next month's Grand Prix final after her gold after Skate America. Meanwhile, Kovtum, 19, surged to his second gold after the Cup of China after his rivals Tatsuki Machida and Denis Ten both fell in their free skate. Kovtum had been just sixth after the short programme, but landed two quad jumps in a solid free skate to “Exogenesis Symphony” by Muse to score 243.35 overall and snatch the title from Machida (237.74). "I'm just glad that after yesterday's performance I didn't break down," said Kovtum. "My coaches did a lot to build me up."
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Post by Admin on Nov 27, 2014 21:15:02 GMT
Olympic and world figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu said on Thursday that it was a "near miracle" he survived a sickening collision during warm-up in China earlier this month. The Japanese heartthrob was left bleeding from the head and needed stitches in his jaw after smashing into China's Yan Han in Shanghai. He controversially skated on despite fears he might have suffered a concussion, triggering criticism of Japan's organising body. "I know there was a lot of criticism of me, my coaches and the federation for skating," Hanyu told reporters before the NHK Trophy which begins in Osaka on Friday. "I know after such a nasty collision it was a risk -- and in some ways it's little short of a miracle I'm here now." Hanyu's statement came on the day Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes died after being hit on the head by a rising ball while batting during a domestic match on Tuesday, and followed a backlash from former Japanese Olympians over why Hanyu had been allowed to skate. Thankful for Mister Donut! #Osaka #ThanksgivinginJapan It also comes after a horrifying crash at last month's Japanese Grand Prix which left French driver Jules Bianchi fighting for his life, prompting Formula One bosses to look at further tightening safety measures in their sport. "I hadn't heard about (Hughes) but I am thankful to have survived," said Hanyu, who was diagnosed with cranial bruising. "I'm sorry to have worried everyone. I heard all about the dangers of second-impact, but the doctors checked me thoroughly and assured me I did not have concussion."
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Post by Admin on Nov 28, 2014 21:12:25 GMT
Gracie Gold of the United States took the lead after the short program at the NHK Trophy on Friday, boosting her chances of qualifying for the Grand Prix Final. Skating to "Adagio," the U.S. champion hit all her jumps to score 68.16 points and finish ahead of Alena Leonova of Russia, who had 68.11. Kanako Murakami of Japan was third with 64.38 points. "I skated a really nice short program," Gold said. "I'm happy because I made a lot mistakes at Skate America. I had solid jumps and spins today and want the same consistency tomorrow." Gold is vying for one of two open spots for next month's GP Final in Barcelona. She earned a bronze medal at Skate America last month. "I think there are positives and negatives in qualifying for the GP Final," Gold said. "When you consider the U.S. Nationals are in January, it kind of interrupts your schedule for that but of course it means you have done very well."
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Post by Admin on Nov 29, 2014 21:06:15 GMT
Gracie Gold of the United States won the women's free skate to finish first overall and wrap up a place at the GP Final. Gold, first after the short program, finished the free skate with 191.16 points, ahead of Alena Leonova of Russia, who received 186.40 points. Satoko Miyahara of Japan was third with 179.02. The U.S. champion only had four triple jumps in her routine to Phantom of the Opera but scored high marks for her spins and step sequences en route to winning her first senior Grand Prix title. "I'm very happy to win my first GP and senior international," Gold said. "But I know I can do better and improve on this performance." She will join compatriot Ashley Wagner and Russians Elena Radionova, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Anna Pogorilaya and Julia Lipnitskaia at the GP Final in Barcelona next month. "I'm excited to go to the GP Final in Barcelona," Gold said. "Although it's a bit of a mixed blessing because it will be an extremely difficult competition with the four Russians and Ashley and I."
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Post by Admin on Nov 30, 2014 21:07:27 GMT
Gracie Gold is all smiles with her medal and trophy after winning the ladies title at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2014/2015 NHK Trophy held at the Namihaya Dome on Saturday night (November 29) in Osaka, Japan. The 19-year-old figure skater took the gold medal with 191.16 points, ahead of Russia’s Alena Leonova (186.40) and Japan’s Satoko Miyahara (179.02). “Of course I feel very happy to win my first Grand Prix and senior international, but I know I can do better and improve even upon this performance,” Gracie shared with press after the competition. “Of course this competition gives me confidence. I have acquired a lot of bronze medals over my career so far, so it’s nice to have a gold medal in the mix.” Polina Edmunds and Christina Gao placed 8th and 9th. Jeremy Abbott, Ross Miner and Joshua Farris placed 5th, 7th and 11th in the men’s competition.
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