US Figure Skating Results--Ladies, Pairs, Ice Dance Final Results; Mens Short Program Results

[TexasTowelie]

[font color=330099]There was not a lot of coverage because of the inauguration, but here are the final results for the ladies, pairs, and ice dance competitions. The men's long program is today.[/font]

Chen holds off 3-time champ Wagner to win US championship

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Karen Chen probably didn’t see Ashley Wagner giving her a curt nod from the ice, not with her face buried in her hands after another memorable performance at the U.S. figure skating championships.

The three-time champion was focused on warming up for her own performance in the free skate, yet Wagner couldn’t help but acknowledge near-perfection — and the standard she now faced.

Wagner proceeded to lay down her own dramatic program, but it wasn’t enough to overtake the 17-year-old Chen. Her elegant short program performed to “On Golden Pond” was followed by a darker, more emotional free skate set to “Jealousy Tango” that made her a surprising first-time national champion.

“I skated such a great short and I was definitely thrilled with it,” Chen said, “so I definitely had some pressure going into the long, thinking I really had a chance at this.”

Read more: http://www.theintelligencer.net/wire/?category=10022&ID=16531


Nathan Chen sets U.S. record for men’s short program at national championships

It appears Nathan Chen is ready to announce his presence to the figure skating world, and Kansas City might be remembered as the place where Chen had his coming out party.

The 17-year-old assumed a commanding lead after the short program in the 2017 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Chen glided and flew along and over the Sprint Center ice to a score of 106.39 – a U.S. record for men’s short program. That’s not just for the U.S. Championships, it’s for all competitions, including the Olympics.

Chen could only say “Wow” the moment he first learned of his score. Later that evening, the achievement was coming into focus.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/olympics/article127877024.html

[brush]

1. Are the two winners related?

[TexasTowelie]

2. No, but they are both 17 and live in California.

Nathan Chen has Russian coaches which should help him because when I saw him last year he needed a lot of work on his artistry. It looks like the top three men from last year won't make it unless there is a significant shakeup in the free skate today. Adam Rippon withdrew due to a foot injury. Max Aaron is in 12th and there is no mention of Jason Brown in the standings.

This is the highest placement for Karen Chen at any event, including junior level.