Russia’s Team Paradise leads the field after the short program at the World Synchronized Skating Championships this weekend in Helsinki, Finland.
The Russians totaled 87.12 points.
The five-time and defending world champions Marigold Ice Unity are looking for another title, this time on home ice. They are in second place with 85.90 points, with Canada’s Team Nexxice close behind in third with 84.63 points.
U.S. national champions the Haydenettes are currently seventh with 77.97 points, while national silver medalists the Skyliners sit eighth with 76.23 points.
“Overall, it felt strong,” Haydenettes team member Sarah Checkosky said through U.S. Figure Skating after their skate to “Gravity” by Raphael Beau. “We hit all the things we have been working on at practice. We made a lot of changes since U.S. Championships so we are happy with those improvements.”
“We feel so confident in the way we skated,” six-year Skyliners team member Samantha Romenseko said after their performance to “What a Wonderful World” by Joseph William Morgan featuring Shadow Royale. “Being able to skate in a sold-out arena was an amazing experience and one that will definitely not be forgotten.”
The free skate is Saturday.
MORE: How to watch the World Synchronized Championships
As a reminder, you can watch the events from the 2018-19 figure skating season live and on-demand with the ‘Figure Skating Pass’ on NBC Sports Gold. Go to NBCsports.com/gold/figure-skating to sign up for access to every ISU Grand Prix and championship event, as well as domestic U.S. Figure Skating events throughout the season. NBC Sports Gold gives subscribers an unprecedented level of access on more platforms and devices than ever before.
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