Shoma Uno Wins Skate Canada

From October 27 – 29, this year’s edition of Skate Canada took place in Regina, Saskatchewan. This was the second event in the International Skating Union’s 2017 – 2018 Grand Prix Series. Shoma Uno won the event, making him the only entry out of Japan’s four at this event to medal.

Shoma Uno came in first place with a total score of 301.10, 39.96 points ahead of American Jason Brown. Shoma’s short program received a score of 103.62, putting him in first place ahead of Canada’s Patrick Chan, whose short program received a score of 94.43. Shoma Uno successfully executed a quad flip, a quad toe / double toe combination, and collected a level four for his three spins. “My performance today was a reflection of my ability. I was able to control my body movement so well, maybe too well, and I was afraid of how smoothly my warm-up went,” Shoma said afterward. “I hope I’m able to put forth a strong effort in the free skating as well.”

And he did put forth a strong effort, having the top free skate of the event with a score of 197.48, 27.05 points of Jason, whose free skate ranked second. After the free skate, Shoma said, “I’m pretty satisfied. The fact that I’ve been able to constantly score (a total of over) 300 shows I’ve been growing since last year.”

In her first senior Grand Prix event, Marin Honda came in fifth with a total score of 178.24, 4.33 points behind American Courtney Hicks. Her short program received a score of 52.60, putting her in 10th place, 2.36 points behind Australia’s Kailani Craine. Marin had points deducted for errors in her jumps and spins.

In the free skate, Marin was given a score of 125.64, putting her in third, behind Russia’s Maria Sotskova’s score of 126.42. “I think the score itself isn’t so good, but I’m happy with my routine,” Marin said after her free skate. “I was able to perform in a way that I can make the most of during my career, instead of running away from the competition.”

Rika Hongo came in sixth place with a total score of 176.34. Her short program was ranked sixth with a score of 61.60, 0.17 points behind American Karen Chen. “There’s a part of me that’s relieved but I performed better in practice so it’s a bit disappointing,” Rika later said. “I was able to relax on the ice so I hope I can put on my best show in the free skating, too.” Rika’s free skate also was ranked sixth, with a score of 114.74, 3.77 points behind Courtney’s free skate.

Takahito Mura finished in 12th (last) place with a total score of 186.66.

This coming weekend sees Keiji Tanaka, Wakaba Higuchi, Marin Honda, and Mai Mihara taking the ice at Cup of China in Beijing.

Shoma Uno

Short program