Budding start Jin leads figure skating short program at National Winter Games

Grand Prix Cup of China runner-up Jin Boyang dominated the men's short program of figure skating competition at the Chinese National Winter Games here on Thursday.

Jin, who represents team Harbin, earned 87.34 points after a smooth performance, while Yan Han, also from team Harbin, trailed in second with 84.48.

Jin, famous for his high-difficulty jumps, completed a quadruple lutz-triple toeloop combination in the short program, one of the most difficult element in the world, though with a little mistake in landing.

"I am the only one who can finish the quadruple lutz in the world now, and it is my advantage," Jin said. "But I didn't execute as well as I did in training. I also have to improve my sequence."

The 18-year-old Jin made his senior international debut in last year's Cup of China and stunned the world by his difficult routines.

"I will try four quadruple jumps in my free skate," said Jin.

According to the rules for the National Winter Games, extra points will be awarded to male skaters who can do quad jumps in a bid to encourage high-level of difficulty.

In the lady's short program, defending champion Li Zijun from Changchun led with 67.51 points.

Earlier Thursday, Wang Shiyue/Zhao Xinyu, representing Changchun, won the ice dance title.

The free skate will take place on Friday. Endit