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The USA’s Ilia Malinin opened his Skate America title defence with a dazzling performance in the Men’s Short Program on day one in Texas.
The world bronze medallist scored the second-best tally of his career with 104.06 points to top the standings ahead of the free skate later in the competition.
His performance put a comfortable gap of 6.72 between himself and Kevin Aymoz of France who currently sits in second place.
Malinin, 18, will be looking to reclaim his 2022 title in style after becoming the youngest Skate America champion in history last season.
Germany’s Annika Hocke and Robert Kunkel narrowly lead the way in the Pairs Short Program in Texas, with a score of 63.59 marginally placing them above Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud of Canada.
The pairs field is relatively open this competition, with no skaters having previously finished in the top two of a Grand Prix event following withdrawals from the reigning world champions.
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