Chock/Bates, Levito Keep US on Top in World Team Trophy

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A stellar performance by world champion ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates along with a solid effort from Isabeau Levito kept the United States in first place with a commanding lead after the second day of the World Team Trophy.

Chock and Bates were fantastic for the second night in a row on the way to winning the free dance with their skate to "Souffrance" and "Les Tectoniques" before an appreciative crowd on Friday, April 14 at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. The Americans finished first with a score of 138.41 to give the US 12 points.

"It just feels wonderful," Chock stated before adding, "It's a feeling of freedom, happiness and pride. To bring our season to a close with a performance like that is very special for us."

Heading into the final day of competition, the US leads with 90 points, South Korea is second with 75, while Japan sits in third place with 74. France is fourth at 60, with Italy fifth at 55 and Canada sixth on 51.

Lee Outperforms Sakamoto at World Team Trophy

World silver medalist Haein Lee of South Korea bested world champion Kaori Sakamoto for the second night in a row with a sublime showing in the women's free skate. The 17-year-old won with a tally of 148.57.

Skating to "Phantom of the Opera," Lee landed six clean triple jumps and earned level fours on her spins and step sequence. The triumph gave South Korea 12 points and a good shot at the silver medal on Saturday.

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"I think I did really well today, no mistakes," Lee commented.

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Author: Jack Gallagher

The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on Twitter @sportsjapan.