Belgium's Hendrickx leads after women's short program at Grand Prix in Italy

Loena Hendrickx of Belgium was the surprise winner of the women's short program at the ISU Grand Prix in Italy on Friday.

Russians Maiia Khromykh and Anna Shcherbakova, this year's world champion, placed second and third, respectively.

"It felt strange, a bit more pressure than normally, I wanted to skate clean and enjoy my day. I am very surprised with the result," said Hendrickx, who was celebrating her 22nd birthday. "I couldn't have made myself a better present."

WATCH | Hendrickx tops standings after short in women's singles: 

Belgian Loena Hendrickx leads after women's short program in Italy

3 years ago

Duration 6:12

Loena Hendrickx sets a personal best score of 73.53 in the women's short program, to take the lead at the ISU Italian Grand Prix in Turin Italy.

Jin Boyang of China led the men's short program ahead of Daniel Grassl of host Italy and Cha Jun-hwan of South Korea.

China also went 1-2 in the pairs short program, with two-time world champions Sui Wenjing and Han Cong leading Peng Cheng and Jin Yang. Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise of Italy came in third.

Four-time world champions Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron of France led the rhythm dance ahead of Americans Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue and the Russian pair of Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin.

WATCH | Papdakis, Cizeron return to Grand Prix circuit: 

Papadakis and Cizeron lead Italian Grand Prix after rhythm dance

3 years ago

Duration 6:33

French ice dancers Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron scored 87.45 in the rhythm dance at the Italian Grand Prix to take a comfortable lead.

Canada's Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus head into Saturday's free dance in eighth place. They are the only Canadians in contention at the competition.

The event was originally scheduled for Chongqing, China, but was moved to Italy due to travel restrictions and other issues related to the pandemic. It is the third of six competitions on the Grand Prix schedule.

WATCH | Canada's Soucisse, Firus compete in Italy: 

Canadians Soucisse and Firus in 8th after rhythm dance in Italy

3 years ago

Duration 6:06

Canadian ice dancers Carolane Soucisse and Shane Firus scored 63.40 in the rhythm dance portion of the ISU Italian Grand Prix, leaving them in eighth place.