Sadovsky, Ruiter jump to early leads as second weekend of 2021 Skate Canada underway

Roman Sadovsky never thought he would have to wait a month and a half for his marks after a program.

Then again, this is no ordinary year.

Competing for the first time this season, the defending Canadian senior men’s champion set the early pace Friday as the 2021 Skate Canada Challenge virtual competition resumed, scoring 94.43 in his short program to jump into top spot in the senior men’s competition.

Two-time Canadian champion Nam Nguyen of Ajax, Ont. is in second with 89.34, while Conrad Orzel of Toronto, Ont. sits third at 87.22.

Corey Circell, the 2020 Canadian junior men’s champion, scored 81.11 to hold down fourth position.

The global pandemic forced Skate Canada to host Skate Canada Challenge virtually for the first time. The event was originally a qualifying competition for the 2021 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships, but that event was cancelled earlier this week.

Sadovsky skated his program in early December and waited until Friday to get his marks.

“What was I expecting? I have no idea,” laughed Sadovsky.

“I knew what I did in the program, but obviously it was a month and a half ago and it became a blur. I remember being pleased with the program, but you forget the little details so as I watched it, it was a bit of a reminder.

“I’m pretty happy with the skate, considering the circumstances.”

In the senior women’s short program, Kaiya Ruiter made quite a first impression.

Making her debut at the senior level, the 14-year-old, who was born in Ottawa, Ont. and resides in Calgary, Alb, scored 62.91 to lead after the senior women’s short program.

Alison Schumacher, the 2020 Canadian silver medallist, is in second with 60.52 followed by two-time Canadian champion Gabrielle Daleman of Newmarket, Ont. at 57.80.

The three medallists from the 2020 Canadian championships are inside the top five heading into the free program. Along with Schumacher, bronze medallist Madeline Schizas of Oakville, Ont. is fourth (57.71) and reigning Canadian champion Emily Bausback of Vancouver, B.C. is fifth. (55.73).

Competition resumes Saturday with the junior and senior rhythm dance followed by the senior women free program.