Japan's Yuzuru Hanyu easily maintained the lead to win his first title in this event after an exciting Men's Free Skate on Sunday afternoon in Seoul, Korea. USA's Jason Brown rose one spot to claim the silver, while Yuma Kagiyama of Japan jumped from fifth to earn the bronze in his debut at this event.
Hanyu wasn't perfect, but showed amazing artistry and focus in his skate to "Seimei" from Onmyōji, which featured a solid quad Salchow and two triple Axels that earned many high grades of execution (GOE). The two-time Olympic champion stepped out his opening quad Lutz and later underrotated and fell on a quad toe. His triple flip also received an edge call and the footwork was only graded a level 3. However, the skating legend showed very good level 4 spins and scored 187.60 for first place in the free skate and overall (299.42) to win his first Four Continents gold medal. He was second in all three previous showings at this event in 2011, 2013, and 2017.
"There were a little bit problem with the ice in before I skated," said Hanyu. "Because of that problem, I was unusually nervous, but I think I tried my best. I was disappointed (with my mistakes), but I will be able to prepare for the World Championship by analyzing today's mistakes. I feel good with my result. I'm not able to say I'm happy for my performance today, but I really wanted to win here, so actually I'm glad."
More...
Which performances were your favorite? What are your thoughts on the overall results?
My favorite performances:
Hanyu: Mistakes aside, I'm always in awe of his artistry and how focused he stays! Just...yeah...
Tomono: I really enjoyed his skate and hope he keeps moving up the ranks.
Brown: This program hits close to home and he mesmerizes me every time he performs it. I also liked that he went for the quad!
Cha: What's not to like? The sk8 was gr8!
Kagiyama: Love the energy he oozes in this routine!
Hanyu wasn't perfect, but showed amazing artistry and focus in his skate to "Seimei" from Onmyōji, which featured a solid quad Salchow and two triple Axels that earned many high grades of execution (GOE). The two-time Olympic champion stepped out his opening quad Lutz and later underrotated and fell on a quad toe. His triple flip also received an edge call and the footwork was only graded a level 3. However, the skating legend showed very good level 4 spins and scored 187.60 for first place in the free skate and overall (299.42) to win his first Four Continents gold medal. He was second in all three previous showings at this event in 2011, 2013, and 2017.
"There were a little bit problem with the ice in before I skated," said Hanyu. "Because of that problem, I was unusually nervous, but I think I tried my best. I was disappointed (with my mistakes), but I will be able to prepare for the World Championship by analyzing today's mistakes. I feel good with my result. I'm not able to say I'm happy for my performance today, but I really wanted to win here, so actually I'm glad."
More...
Which performances were your favorite? What are your thoughts on the overall results?
My favorite performances:
Hanyu: Mistakes aside, I'm always in awe of his artistry and how focused he stays! Just...yeah...
Tomono: I really enjoyed his skate and hope he keeps moving up the ranks.
Brown: This program hits close to home and he mesmerizes me every time he performs it. I also liked that he went for the quad!
Cha: What's not to like? The sk8 was gr8!
Kagiyama: Love the energy he oozes in this routine!
Last edited: