Canadian ice dancers open Youth Olympics with strong performances
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Toronto ice dancers Natalie D’Alessandro and Bruce Waddell continued to build on a strong season on Saturday to stand third after the rhythm dance in figure skating action at the Youth Olympic Games.
As was the case in men’s and pairs competition Friday, the Russians are 1-2 after the rhythm dance. Irina Khavronina and Dario Cirisano lead with 63.52 points followed by Sofya Tyutyunina and Alexander Shustitskiy at 62.64.
D’Alessandro and Waddell scored 59.61 just ahead of compatriots Miku Makita of Anmore, B.C., and Tyler Gunara of Burnaby, B.C., in fourth at 58.47.
‘’We were able to show what we can do,’ ’said Waddell, who won a silver medal with his partner this past fall on the Junior Grand Prix circuit. ‘’We had a few technical issues with some turns and some key points but that’s just another learning curve for us this year.’’
Makita and Gunara posted two fourth place finishes on the Junior Grand Prix.
‘’We had one small error but apart from that we were happy with the performance,’’ said Makita. ‘’I lost my balance on the twizzle and certainly intend to do that better in the free dance.’’
In women’s competititon, Young You of South Korea leads after the short program. Catherine Carle of Georgetown, Ont., is 12th.
Competition continues Sunday with the men’s
and pairs free skates.
Full results:
Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games