Miki Ando (JPN) captures Ladies Short Program at The Four Continents Championships in Taipei
Miki Ando of Japan skated to the lead in the Ladies Short Program ahead of teammate Mao Asada and Rachael Flatt (USA).
Skating to “The Mission” by Ennio Morricone, Ando put out a strong performance that was highlighted by a triple Lutz-double loop combination, a triple loop and double Axel. The 2007 World Champion earned a level four for two spins and a level three for the footwork to improve her seasons best by ten points. She scored 65.58 points. “My physical condition isn't very good since this morning”, Ando revealed. “I felt dizzy on the ice and like I had no energy. I don't remember exactly how I skated, but my points were higher than at Nationals so I think it was pretty good. I could get a positive feeling which I'd like to take to Worlds”, she added.
Asada opened her routine to a Tango by Alfred Schnittke with a triple Axel, but two-footed and underrotated. The reigning World Champion recovered to hit a triple loop and a somewhat shaky triple flip-double loop combination. She earned the same levels for her spins and footwork as Ando and picked up a new seasons best of 63.41 points. “I don't think about the points so much. The points are not my first priority. I am disappointed, because my triple Axel wasn't great. I knew I didn't rotate well, but I don't know exactly how it happened. But I feel better than at Nationals”, Asada said. Flatt debuted her new short program to “East of Eden” in international competition and landed a triple flip-double toe, a triple Lutz, double Axel. The current U.S. Silver medalist was awarded 62.23 points, which was also a seasons best. “This was a great stepping stone for me and I’m very proud of how I skated. But I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get the triple-triple (flip-toe) in this time. The landing of the flip was a little slow”, the 18-year-old commented.
Mirai Nagasu (USA) finished fourth after underrotating her triple Lutz (59.78 points). Grand Prix Final Champion Alissa Czisny (USA) stands in fifth place as she fell on the triple Lutz (58.94 points).
The ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships conclude Sunday with the Ladies Free Skating and the Exhibition Gala. For more information and full results please see: www.isu.org and http://www.figureskating.com.tw/2011FCC/eng/default.html
