Russians Natalie Romaniuta and
Daniil Barantsev putting on a
show at the world juniors.
For a city like Sofia, which only boasts two artificial ice skating rinks, the organisation of a big figure skating competition is no minor feat. But the task was accomplished and the Bulgarian capital was able to properly respond to the challenges of the World Junior Championship, held from February 26 to March 4.
The event had all the trimmings – the beauty of youth, strong emotions and, of course, skillful performances. The audience, which grew with each passing day, was treated to countless intricate combinations of triple and quadruple jumps, acrobatic performances, good footwork, great artistry and excellent choreography.
Among the pairs, the acrobatics and perfectionism of China’s Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang were unrivalled, due to the exceptionally high level of difficulty in their free programme. They were the only pair to perform jumps with a quadruple twist and a triple Riedberger, as well as a spin with a jump. Yuko Kawaguchi and Alexander Markuntsov (Japan) took the silver, while Kristen Roth and Michael McPherson (U.S.) managed to capture bronze.
The U.S. triumphed on the men’s side. Gold medal winner Johnny Weir submitted a flawless performance that included seven triple jumps. Silver medallist Evan Lysacek also demonstrated his high class, outperforming Vincent Restencourt (France) to take second place. The Russian representatives, rivalled fiercely by U.S. skaters, dominated the dance pairs and the women’s side. Last year’s world champions Natalia Romaniuta/Daniil Barantsev (Russia) convincingly defended their title. Tanith Belbin/Benjamin Agosto (U.S.) grabbed the silver and Elena Khaliavina/Maxim Shabalin (Russia) took bronze.
In the individual female competition, the Russian school, with its trademark artistry and excellent choreography, again reigned supreme. Sixteen year-old Kristina Oblasova was almost perfect in her execution of four triple jumps and two combinations of triple and double jumps. She finished far ahead of Ann Patrice McDonough (U.S.), who in turn left Finland’s Susanna Piokio far behind. It was in this category, however, that Bulgaria registered its best performance – 16-year-old Hristina Vassileva finished in a respectable 19th place, presenting a decent programme with two triple jumps and a combination of two doubles.
All in all, 184 competitors from 43 countries put on a fine show, allowing audiences to witness an excellent demonstration. The week also marked Portugal’s entrance into world competition, entering one female in the event.
The seven days of the world junior ice skating championship in Sofia ended with a great party which competitors and audiences alike joined in. An entertaining end to an entertaining week.
The event had all the trimmings – the beauty of youth, strong emotions and, of course, skillful performances. The audience, which grew with each passing day, was treated to countless intricate combinations of triple and quadruple jumps, acrobatic performances, good footwork, great artistry and excellent choreography.
Among the pairs, the acrobatics and perfectionism of China’s Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang were unrivalled, due to the exceptionally high level of difficulty in their free programme. They were the only pair to perform jumps with a quadruple twist and a triple Riedberger, as well as a spin with a jump. Yuko Kawaguchi and Alexander Markuntsov (Japan) took the silver, while Kristen Roth and Michael McPherson (U.S.) managed to capture bronze.
The U.S. triumphed on the men’s side. Gold medal winner Johnny Weir submitted a flawless performance that included seven triple jumps. Silver medallist Evan Lysacek also demonstrated his high class, outperforming Vincent Restencourt (France) to take second place. The Russian representatives, rivalled fiercely by U.S. skaters, dominated the dance pairs and the women’s side. Last year’s world champions Natalia Romaniuta/Daniil Barantsev (Russia) convincingly defended their title. Tanith Belbin/Benjamin Agosto (U.S.) grabbed the silver and Elena Khaliavina/Maxim Shabalin (Russia) took bronze.
In the individual female competition, the Russian school, with its trademark artistry and excellent choreography, again reigned supreme. Sixteen year-old Kristina Oblasova was almost perfect in her execution of four triple jumps and two combinations of triple and double jumps. She finished far ahead of Ann Patrice McDonough (U.S.), who in turn left Finland’s Susanna Piokio far behind. It was in this category, however, that Bulgaria registered its best performance – 16-year-old Hristina Vassileva finished in a respectable 19th place, presenting a decent programme with two triple jumps and a combination of two doubles.
All in all, 184 competitors from 43 countries put on a fine show, allowing audiences to witness an excellent demonstration. The week also marked Portugal’s entrance into world competition, entering one female in the event.
The seven days of the world junior ice skating championship in Sofia ended with a great party which competitors and audiences alike joined in. An entertaining end to an entertaining week.
