DEBRECEN, Hungary – Bryn Hoffman and Bryce Chudak posted Canada’s best result to open the ISU World Junior Championships in figure skating but Nicolas Nadeau is closer to a medal position after Wednesday’s short programs in men’s and pairs competition.

In men’s competition, Nadeau of Boisbriand, Que., produced a clean short program and stands in eighth place just over five points from third with 73.90 points.

Dmitri Aliev of Russia is first at 80.74, his compatriot Alexander Samarin second at 80.31 and Deniss Vasiljevs of Latvia is third at 78.78.

“It was a good program and I was happy with all my elements,” said Nadeau, 18, fifth at the senior nationals in January. “I was a little disappointed with my score but it in the end it’s not so bad and I’m still in contention (for a medal).”

In pairs, Calgarians Hoffman and Chudak are sixth after the short program with 52.20 points. Anna Duskova and Martin Bidar of the Czech Republic lead at 64.71, Anastasia Mishina and Vladislav Mirzoev of Russia are second at 59.50 and Renata Oganesian and Mark Badei of Ukraine third at 59.30.

Justine Brasseur of Brossard, Que., and Mathieu Ostiguy of Granby, Que., are ninth and Hope McLean of Newbury, Ont., and Trennt Michaud of Strathroy, Ont., 13th.
Competition continues Thursday with the short dance and pairs free skate.

Full Results: 2016 ISU World Junior Championships