Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara delivered a masterclass in pairs skating at the Four Continents Championships, securing gold with a 217.32 total score. Their season-best free skate (142.59 points) featured a technical clinic: a level-three triple twist lift, throw triple loop, and flawless triple salchows.
This medal represents our five-year evolution,an emotional Kihara told reporters.
We overcame injuries and doubters to stand here today. Seoul holds special meaning – we debuted in this arena with eighth place in 2019.
The 2023 world champions outpaced Canada’s determined teams:
- Deanna Stellato-Dudek/Maxime Deschamps (210.92) rallied from fourth to silver
- Lia Pereira/Trennt Michaud (198.40) earned bronze in their championship debut
Stellato-Dudek revealed their strategy: We needed a breakthrough before defending our world title in Boston. This momentum is priceless. Their 'Ocean' program impressed with a triple toe-single axel sequence.
Miura/Kihara now join an elite group of multi-time Four Continents winners, having also triumphed in 2023. Analysts highlight their consistency under pressure – they haven’t placed below first in international competition since October.
In related news, South Korea’s Kim Chae-yeon topped the women’s short program (74.02) ahead of Japan’s defending champion Mone Chiba. The free skate finals air Saturday.
