BY: U.S. Figure Skating

MOSCOW, Russia — The United States won two gold medals at the 2017 Rostelecom Cup, the first of six competitions in the ISU Grand Prix Series of Figure Skating. Nathan Chen and Maia and Alex Shibutani held onto first place in the men’s and ice dance competitions, respectively, after the free skates/dance Saturday in Moscow.

Despite finishing second behind Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu in the men’s free skate, Chen, the reigning U.S. champion, won his first Grand Prix Series title by 3.02 points. The Salt Lake City native landed four quads, two in combination, on his way to victory. Two-time U.S. pewter medalist Grant Hochstein finished 11th overall.

In the ice dance competition, Maia and Alex Shibutani concluded their season debut with their fifth Grand Prix Series title and first Rostelecom Cup medal. The sibling duo earned all positive Grades of Execution and five Level 4s in the first outing of their “Paradise” free dance. Rachel and Michael Parsons, who are competing in their first year on the senior circuit, were seventh.

Mariah Bell and Mirai Nagasu fought back in the ladies free skate to place sixth and ninth overall, respectively. Bell, the 2017 U.S. bronze medalist, tallied the fourth highest technical score of the night for her West Side Story program, finishing sixth in the free skate. Nagasu earned 178.25 points total and was seventh in the segment.

The pairs team of Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran had a strong performance of their free skate to “Woman” by Shawn Phillips and finished seventh overall.

The Grand Prix Series continues next week with Skate Canada International in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The Grand Prix series concludes when Lake Placid, N.Y. host the 2017 Bridgestone Grand Prix, Nov. 24-26. The men and pairs short programs are set for Friday, Nov. 24. The ladies short program and short dance, as well as the pairs and men’s free skates will take place Saturday, Nov. 25. On Sunday, Nov. 26, the competition concludes with the free dance and ladies free skate.

Tickets, starting at $25, will be available at www.2017skateamerica.com/tickets, the Olympic Center box office or by calling 518-523-3330. Fees may apply.

Past Skate America titlists include five-time World champion and two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan and Olympic champions Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton, Evan Lysacek and Meryl Davis and Charlie White. The event will mark the fifth time the event has been held in Lake Placid.

MEDIA ADVISORY: All media interested in attending and covering Skate America are required to complete a media credential application. Media credential applications are available by visiting http://www.usfigureskating.org/story?id=84082.

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