Znotins Takes Second in Junior Grand Prix Short Program With Personal Best, Baranovska Sixth

Two Latvian skaters have made a solid start at a junior figure skating Grand Prix event after the short program. In the boys' event, 16-year-old Janis Znotins, who represents JLSS, placed second with 76.15 points. In the girls' event, 16-year-old Kira Baranovska of the "Kristal Ice" club is sixth with 58.69 points. Both still have the free skate ahead, which will determine the final standings.

Boys

Twenty-six skaters are competing in the junior boys' event. Belgium's Denis Kruglov won the short program with 82.09 points. Znotins received positive marks for all of his elements. His 76.15 points are a personal best, as his previous top score was 72.34. Ukraine's Jehor Kurcev is third with 71.39 points. Znotins will skate his free program on October 10 at 20:30.

Girls

Thirty-six skaters are taking part in the junior girls' event. Canada's Lia Cho led the short program with 69.42 points. Baranovska received positive marks for all of her elements and sits sixth with 58.69 points. Her free skate is scheduled for October 9 at 21:49.

The results come from the International Skating Union (ISU).