2021 World bronze medalist Alexandra Trusova led Russia's Women to a 1-2-3 in the Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix Guaranteed Rate Skate America Saturday in Las Vegas. Daria Usacheva is currently ranked second, ahead of Ksenia Sinitsina.
Alexandra Trusova © International Skating Union (ISU)
Top seed Trusova produced an excellent performance to “Frida” that was highlighted by a triple flip, triple Lutz-triple toe, double Axel and level-four spins and footwork. The 2020 European bronze medalist earned a personal best score of 77.69 points.
“I am pleased with my performance, but I am a bit sad that I did not do my triple Axel and hopefully I can do it next time,” the 17-year-old said.
Referring to rumors she might have been forced to withdraw through injury, she explained: “There was the option to skate or to withdraw. When I got up this morning my foot hurt less and I decided I can fight.”
Skating to “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman”, Usacheva landed a double Axel, triple Lutz and triple flip-triple toeloop combination and picked up a level four for her spins. That was certainly enough for a personal best score of 76.71 points.
“I am happy with my performance and especially that I was able to open up and bring across the emotions," the 2020 World Junior silver medalist said. "I did not specifically work on this, I just enjoyed performing today and the emotions came by themselves."
Sinitsina, who had skated first out of the 12 women, delivered a clean performance to Petr Tchaikovski’s "Lullaby" that featured a triple Lutz-triple toeloop combination and triple flip. She scored 71.51 points. “I am very excited to be at the senior Grand Prix and I wanted to give it my all, skate clean and show the audience this wonderful short program,” the 2020 Youth Olympic Games silver medalist said.
Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) is less than a point behind in fourth place with 71.16 points. She doubled her flip in combination with a triple toe. Young You (KOR), who fell on her triple Axel, ranks fifth (70.73 points) followed by Yelim Kim (KOR) on 70.56 points.
For full results, click here.