Canadian figure skating pair took the lead at the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal

Canadian figure skating pair Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps took the lead in front of their home crowd after the short program at the World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal.

Deanna Stellato-Dudek, 40, could become the oldest world champion in all disciplines for decades.

The Canadian figure skating pair, who were fourth at last year’s world championships, were excellent on the ice and recorded a personal best of 77.48 points. They lead against the defending champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara (Japan) by 3.95 points ahead of Thursday’s freestyle. The 2023 European champions Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii (Italy) are third with 72.88 points.

Deanna Stellato-Dudek was the girls’ world runner-up in 2000 when she competed for the United States. She retired from the sport in 2001 due to injury, returned to pairs in 2016, then moved to Canada in 2021.

Last season, Deanna Stellato-Dudek became the oldest figure skater to win a Grand Prix competition after teaming up with Maxime Deschamps to triumph at the French Grand Prix. They have been champions in two Grand Prix series starts this season, then finished third at the final in December.

Tonight, the Canadians improved their short program personal best by 4.45 points.

The World Figure Skating Championships continue tonight with the women’s short program.