In the six-woman field at the Grand Prix Final in Grenoble, France, Amber Glenn of the United States showcased her skills in figure skating by taking the lead in the short program. Competing against five Japanese skaters, Glenn impressed the audience by landing the only triple axel jump of the competition, earning a score of 70.04 points.
Glenn mentioned that she encountered a minor setback during the performance as she 'pinched a rib' on an awkward landing of the axel. Despite this, she demonstrated mental strength and determination throughout the routine. Reflecting on her growth, Glenn acknowledged her improved ability to manage anxiety during competitions.
This season marks a breakthrough for Glenn, who, at 25 years old, is participating in her first Grand Prix Final. Her successful season includes securing her first two career wins in the Grand Prix series. She aims to become the first U.S. skater to win the women's event at the Grand Prix Final since 2010.
Following Glenn, Mone Chiba holds the second position with a score of 69.33, while Hana Yoshida is in third place with 64.23 points. World champion Kaori Sakamoto faced a setback after falling on the last jump of her program, a triple flip-triple toeloop combination, placing her in fourth with a score of 63.98.
In the pairs short program, Germany's Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin took the lead with a personal-best score of 76.72. They are closely followed by Japan's Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who trail by just .45 of a point. Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava from Georgia secured the third spot with a score of 72.26.
The pairs competition will conclude with the free skate on Friday, offering an exciting finale to the event.
For more sports news, visit AP sports.
