Rika Kihira (18 = Toyota Motor), second in the short program (SP), lost her first podium.

Free, who greeted leader Shelvakova (Russian Federation) by 1.92 points, registered 126.62 points, for a total of 205.70 points. It was a disappointing result with seventh place.

Avoiding the quadruple salchow, he played with two triple throttles (three and a half revolutions). At first, he patiently landed on the ice, but fell for the next three and a half revolutions. Lutz’s third rotation in the final stage of the performance also became the second rotation, and the icing was altered. When the score was announced, he took reality with a stern look.

“I was very focused, but my legs were strong … I felt spongy. I had to move more firmly into the night. I wanted to be more enthusiastic at the World Championships. Sorry. I don’t feel like that.”

Saitama Super Arena two years ago. I learned the difference of the world in the world championships that I participated in for the first time in my first year as a senior. Fourth place behind the Pyeongchang Olympics gold medal, Zagitova (Russia), Tursinbayeva (Kazakhstan) who jumped a quadruple jump and Medvedeva (Russia) who jumped the silver medal from Pyeongchang. Being late in seventh place in SP was a fatal injury, and he said: “I have to get better results from now on. I will practice a lot from shortstop (SP).”

In this tournament, all three jumps land on the SP, and the feeling of stability is outstanding. It led to free acting. Of the “three Russian daughters” who stunned the world in their first year as a senior last season, two of them, Shelvakova and Trusova, participated in the best match in the world. I learned another lesson from the goal of the 22nd gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.