Uno in lead at championships
Japan’s Shoma Uno placed first in the men’s short program at the world figure skating championships in Montreal.
Uno, the two-time defending champion, led with a 107.72 score at the Bell Centre. Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, the 2022 Olympic silver medalist, was second (106.35) ahead of American
Ilia Malinin (105.97).
“I could have performed a lot better, and a few minor things here and there I could have really done them a lot better,” Malinin said. “But overall I’m just happy with my score.”
Malinin, a bronze medallist at last year’s event, said the last few weeks have been a “really tough challenge” because he hasn’t felt well. Asked if it was an injury or illness, he said “both,” but wouldn’t elaborate.
“I was even worried about if I wasn’t able to come to worlds,” he said. “It was definitely really hard. Some days I’d have to miss practice. Last week we had a talk and I just decided I want to go, I’m going to try my best.”
Jason Brown, who won a bronze with the American team at the 2014 Olympics, was fourth (93.87).
Later Thursday, Canadians Deanna StellatoDudek and Maxime Deschamps went for gold in the pairs free program.
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