Reigning world champion Nathan Chen landed an impressive quadruple and triple toe loop combination to seize the men’s lead after Saturday’s short program at the US Figure Skating Championship.
The 19-year-old from Salt Lake City, seeking his third consecutive US men’s crown, scored 113.42 points to take command over second-place Jason Brown, the 2015 champion, on 100.52 and third-place Vincent Zhou on 100.25. Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue won their second consecutive US ice dance crown while Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc captured the US pairs title in other events contested at Detroit, Michigan. Chen, a Yale University student, won Grand Prix events at Skate America and in France ahead of his second consecutive Grand Prix Final triumph last month at Vancouver.
Chen could match 2004-2006 champion Johnny Weir with the longest US men’s title streak since 1980s star Brian Boitano with success in Sunday’s free skate, which could include another quad toe loop-triple toe loop combination. “I’m very happy with that short program,” Chen said. “The toe-toe was a highlight for me. It was one of the easiest I’ve done all week. Really glad it came through in competition. I’m looking forward to the long program tomorrow.”
Chen hopes for another solid skate to continue his momentum as he prepares to defend his world title March 18-24 at Saitama, Japan. “Every competition is important to me. I try to focus on the present and do the best job I can,” Chen said. “But I hope to make the transition to worlds as well.”
In the pairs, Cain and LeDuc won the free skate with 141.89 points after placing second in the short program to finish first overall on 212.36 with Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier, the 2017 US champions, second in the free skate on 133.32 and overall on 201.64.
