Alysa liu Takes the Lead in Women’s Short Program at World Figure Skating Championships
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Boston, MA – The 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston are underway, and the women’s competition has already delivered some thrilling performances and unexpected results. Alysa Liu of the USA has seized the lead after a captivating short program, setting the stage for an intense free skate showdown.
American Skaters Shine in Opening Round
The hometown crowd had plenty to cheer for as two American skaters landed in the top three after the short program. Alysa Liu’s score of 74.58 placed her firmly in first, followed by fellow American Isabeau Levit in third with 73.33. Japan’s Mone Čibová split the Americans, securing second place with a score of 73.44.
Short program Top 5
| Rank | Name | Nation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alysa Liu | USA | 74.58 |
| 2 | Mone Čibová | Japan | 73.44 |
| 3 | Isabeau Levit | USA | 73.33 |
| 4 | Wakaba Higučiová | Japan | 72.10 |
| 5 | Kaori Sakamot | Japan | 71.03 |
Sakamoto Faces Unexpected Challenges
Reigning world champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan found herself in fifth place after an uncharacteristic performance. An opening jump that was downgraded to a double cost her valuable points, leaving her with a score of 71.03. Sakamoto, who has dominated the sport in recent years, will need a strong free skate to contend for the title.
I need to refocus and deliver a performance I know I’m capable of in the free skate.Kaori Sakamoto, after her short program
European Vice-Champion Falters
Anastasia Gubanova of Georgia, the current European vice-champion, had a disastrous short program, struggling with all of her jump elements. her score of 47.31 placed her in 28th position out of 33 competitors, significantly impacting her chances of securing an Olympic spot for her country.
Olympic Qualification on the Line
The stakes are high in Boston, as this competition serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. Twenty-four spots are up for grabs based on the results of these World Championships. Nations that fail to secure a spot here will have one last possibility at the qualifying race in Beijing this September, where five additional spots will be awarded.
The pressure to perform is immense, as skaters not only compete for individual glory but also for the chance to represent their countries on the Olympic stage. The International Skating Union (ISU) closely monitors these qualifying events, ensuring fair and clear allocation of Olympic berths.
Šelmeková’s World Championship Experiance
Vanesa Šelmeková of Slovakia finished in 26th place with a score of 49.55. While she didn’t advance to the free skate (only the top 24 skaters qualify),her score was an enhancement over her performance at the European Championships in Tallinn. This marks her second World Championship appearance,following a 30th-place finish in Montreal last year.
Šelmeková Reflects on Performance
Despite not achieving her goal of reaching the free skate, Šelmeková remained optimistic and focused on learning from the experience.
I felt great before the program, but as soon as I stepped on the ice, my legs stiffened. I need to work on managing my nerves in such a big event.Vanesa Šelmeková, after her short program
She also noted that the audience’s enthusiastic response to her step sequence was a highlight of her performance. Šelmeková is still managing an injury that affected her performance at the European Championships, but she felt it was less severe in Boston.
