Two Canadian pairs are currently in medal positions following the short program on Friday at Skate Canada International, the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event held in Saskatoon. Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps are in second place with a score of 73.03, while Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud hold the third spot with a score of 70.66.
Deschamps expressed delight in performing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, emphasizing the positive experience. Stellato-Dudek noted mixed feelings about their performance, acknowledging areas that excelled compared to a previous competition but also recognizing points lost on a specific element.
Pereira and Michaud achieved a personal-best score during the short program, highlighting their satisfaction with their performance on home ice and their enthusiasm for showcasing their training. In the pairs competition, Germany’s Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin lead with a total score of 77.53 after the short program, while Canadians Kelly Ann Laurin and Loucas Ethier are in sixth place with a score of 59.93.
In the women’s event, Japan’s Mone Chiba holds a slight lead with a score of 72.29 over American Isabeau Levito, who has 71.80 points. Italy’s Lara Naki Gutmann is in third place with a score of 68.11. Sara-Maude Dupuis is the highest-ranking Canadian in eighth place with a score of 60.41, expressing satisfaction with her performance and the support from the audience.
The competition continues with live coverage on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. ET. For more information on viewing details, visit the CBC Sports broadcast schedule.