Semenenko third after the short program at the ISU Grand Prix stage in Shenzhen

Russian figure skaters in the medal fight in Shenzhen

Russian figure skater Evgeny Semenenko sits third after the short program at the ISU Grand Prix stage in Shenzhen, China, having earned 99.72 points for his performance. His compatriot Vladislav Dikidzhi is right behind him in fourth place with a score of 98.66 points. This was reported by Gazeta.Ru, which also ran a live online broadcast of the competition.

The standings at the top

Japan's Kao Miura leads after the short program with 102.90 points, followed by his compatriot Shun Sato in second (101.97). Semenenko trails second place by just over two points, keeping the intrigue alive ahead of the free program.

Season context

Russian participation at the Grand Prix stage became possible after an ISU decision: on June 30 the union published a press release announcing that Russian athletes would be admitted to tournaments under its auspices starting from the new season — in a neutral status, in both individual and team events. The decision covers figure skating, short track, and speed skating. Earlier in China, Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov won the short program in the pairs event at the series stage.