HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (AP) – Yuka Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov of Russia topped the Skate America pairs short program on Saturday.
It was a strong start for Kavaguti and Smirnov, who took fourth at the 2010 Olympics but were non-qualifiers for Sochi this year.
They took the lead with 69.16 points, with China’s Cheng Peng and Hao Zhang second (62.38) and Americans Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier (61.08) third.
The women’s short program followed, with 2014 Olympian and U.S. champion Gracie Gold and two-time junior champion Elena Radionova of Russia highlighting the field. The pairs and women’s free skates are scheduled for Sunday.