Notes from day one in Lake Placid (12/11/2008)

Notes from day one in Lake Placid

Savary, Chen win intermediate men's groups

(12/11/2008)

Moving on up
After winning the 2008 U.S. juvenile boys title, Kevin Shum wasn't sure what to expect coming back this year to compete at the intermediate level.

"It feels a lot different competing with all these skaters who are so good," said the 11-year-old from Piedmont, Calif. Following last year's win, he began working hard to perfect his double Axel. Although he didn't land the jump in his qualifying round Wednesday (it was downgraded to a single), he finished eighth in Group A with a 50.42 free skate score.

"I did pretty good, not the best I could skate, but I am happy with it," Shum said. "With a little more training, I would be better."

Moving up means tougher competition for Shum, but he is focused on his one and only goal -- "to just to do my best."

Last year's juvenile boys' bronze medalist, Nathan Chen, didn't waste any time showing off all he's accomplished since last year, including a very solid double Axel. Clad in a silver metallic shirt and black pants, the petite 9-year-old from Salt Lake City, Utah, won first place in Group B of the intermediate men's qualifying rounds with a 60.25 mark.

"I just wanted to try my best, and whatever happens, happens," said Chen, whose favorite part about being here is "seeing my friends again."

avary, Chen win intermediate men's groups
Emmanuel Savary (University of Delaware FSC) leaped over Cale Ambroz (FSC of Bloomington), 66.48-60.37, in the intermediate men's qualifying group A. Savary skated a near flawless program, except for a negative GOE on his impressive triple Salchow-double toe-double loop combination jump midway through the routine. Ambroz skated clean but was given a Level 1 and negative GOE on his closing flying sit spin, as well as on his double Axel-double toe. Nathan Chen (Salt Lake City Figure Skating) narrowly beat Texan B.J. Conrad (Texas Gulf Coast FSC) to win group B. Chen received nary a negative GOE and landed nine double jumps en route to first place. Conrad opened with a very nice triple Salchow, but his double Axel was downgraded and he received a negative GOE on his double Lutz-double toe.