|
Ten teams from four nations are competing in the Four Continents Pairs event this year: Canada, China, Japan and the United States. Canada, China and the U.S. entered the full three teams permitted under the rules while Japan entered one -- the hybrid Japanese-Canadian team of Narumi Takahashi and Mervin Tran who train in Canada.
Sui & Han put out a strong performance to American country music that was highlighted by a big triple twist, a side by side triple toe and a throw triple flip. The two-time World Junior Champions earned a seasons best of 66.75 points. "Today we did our best in the short program. It’s very amazing and wonderful. We feel so happy and my partner did very well. In the free program, we will do both quad throws (twist and Salchow) and I hope we will succeed“, Han commented. Performing to "East of Eden“, Denney& Coughlin produced a triple twist, triple toe, throw triple flip and picked up a level four for the footwork, death spiral and pair combination spin. The U.S. Champions posted a new seasons best with 63.35 points. "It felt really good, it felt like I hoped it would skating at home and I felt that support from our friends and family. It was nice to put out a good perform for them and for ourselves. We took a step in right direction building toward the World Championships. We are excited to be part of this event“, Coughlin said. Marley & Brubaker landed a side by side triple toe and triple twist, but she put both hands down on the throw triple Lutz. The National silver medallists scored 62.42 points, another seasons best. "We’re just really happy with our skate today. We were pretty strong on things and this was definitely a step in the right direction. Between nationals and here, it’s definitely how you want to be skating here“, Brubaker noted. Marley, however, was visibly disappointed by the error in the throw and was having a hard time letting go long after the event was over. Narumi Takahashi & Mervin Tran (JPN) are currently ranked fourth at 61.54 points after she fell on side-by-side triple Salchow. Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig (USA) placed fifth with 60.75 points, and Paige Lawrence * Rudi Swiegers (CAN) wrapped up the top six with 57.97 points. |
Copyright 2012 by George S. Rossano
