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Park So-youn ranks in 9th at ISU figure skating competition

Park So-youn ranks in 9th at ISU figure skating competition

Posted February. 16, 2015 07:37,   

한국어

Confidence is what Park So-youn, a rising star following the legendary figure skater Kim Yu-na, needs to have more than anything else. After the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships ended on Sunday, Park talked about "confidence" several times regarding her less-than-expected record in the competition. The 18-year-old skater felt that she couldn’t have done her best in performance due to high pressure.

Park earned 110.28 points with TES of 59.80 points, PCS of 51.48 and one point deduction in the free skating program on the day. Combined short-free score was 164.75, which was far below her best personal record (combined 176.61 points). In the end, Park ranked in ninth.

As the competition was held on home turf, Park was expected to set the best personal record. As European skaters including Russians did not participate, it would have been easier to be in the medal contention than other times. However, Park couldn’t overcome the pressure and made mistakes that she never would do in usual times. Park made a mistake in spin at the short skating program on Friday and fell on a triple loop on Sunday. “I lost my balance whenever I jumped as I was nervous. I felt more pressure as the competition was held in Korea,” Park said.

Park has been under spotlight as a new rising star after Kim Yu-na’s retirement last year. But such limelight turned out to be pressure to Park. “(By making good performance as Kim Yu-na did,) I wish I could help other juniors...,” said Park revealing her regret.

“As Park made her senior debut last year, she doesn’t have much experiences in the international competition. This is almost the same as her first season. What is at stake for Park is to have more experiences in other competitions and overcome the pressure,” said Sagong Gyeon-won, vice head of the Korea Skating Union.

Kim Hae-jin earned 95.89 points in the free skating program and combined score of 147.3 points, ranking in 11th. Kim, who has suffered growth pain in knees and back due to fast growing in height, said with a smile, “I am happy with the best record of this season.” The youngest 17-year-old Chae Song-joo came in 13th setting the best personal record (combined 139.09 points) despite an injury of tear in skin between right toes. American figure skater Polina Edmunds (combined 184.02 points) won the championship.