Two Canadian pairs have secured medal positions following the short program on Friday at Skate Canada International, part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating held in Saskatoon. Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps currently hold second place with a score of 73.03, while Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud are in third place with 70.66 points.
Expressing their delight to perform in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Deschamps mentioned the positive experience. Stellato-Dudek remarked on the mixed results of their program compared to the Grand Prix in France, acknowledging a loss of points on a specific element and the challenge of assessing their routine without viewing it.
Pereira and Michaud achieved a personal best in the short program, showcasing their excitement for the accomplishment on home ice. Pereira expressed their enthusiasm for their program and the opportunity to demonstrate their training efforts.
In the pairs competition, Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin lead with a top score of 77.53 points after the short program. Canadian pair Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Ethier will commence the free program in sixth place with a score of 59.93.
Within the women’s event, Japan’s Mone Chiba leads with a score of 72.29, closely followed by American Isabeau Levito at 71.80, while Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann holds third place with 68.11 points. Sara-Maude Dupuis is the top Canadian in eighth place with a score of 60.41, expressing satisfaction with her performance and the support of the audience.
The live coverage of Skate Canada International will continue on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET. For viewing details, refer to the CBC Sports broadcast schedule.