Isabella Gamez and Aleksandr Korovin were unable to make a strong start in their first appearance at the ISU level competition as they struggled in the pairs short program at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, Saturday at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the USA.
The two skaters finished in last place with a score of 39.69.
Gamez and Korovin were hoping to build upon their success after earning a silver medal at the Trophée Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, where they set their qualifying marks for the 4CC. However, their performance in Colorado Springs did not go as planned.
Despite starting off strong with a solid triple-twist lift to the music of “I’ll Take Care of You,” their side-by-side triple salchows were downgraded to a double, and the throw triple salchow received an error. Additionally, Gamez had a difficult time landing both jumps, which resulted in two one-point deductions.
Despite these setbacks, Gamez and Korovin still managed to finish strong. They performed well on their Group 5 Axel Lasso lift and spins, earning 20.50 in technical elements.
The judges gave them a 5.0 in program components for their well-executed routine, with a score of 5.43.
Team Philippines received some disappointing news after Sofia Frank withdrew from the women’s free skate.
Frank, who was in 19th place after the short program, announced on her social media that she was recovering from a bout of influenza and had not fully regained her form. She shared that she was healthy, but still recovering and trying to regain her stamina.
The 17-year-old will be competing in the World Junior Championships in a few weeks.
Gamez and Korovin will have one more chance to showcase their skills on Sunday when they take the ice for the pairs’ free skate at 5:55 a.m. (Philippine time). Edrian Paul Celestino will then compete in the men’s free skate at 9:15 a.m. with the goal of finishing in the top ten.
