HOLICHENKO / DARENSKYI (UKR) | Pairs Free | ISU World Championships | Boston 2025 | #FigureSkating

So now a team that finished in 17th place in the World Championships last year in their first appearance. They go into the free here, lying in 17th place. We wish them all the very best of luck. Runners-up in the Junior World Championships this year. This is Sofia Holichenko and Artem Darentsky for Ukraine. Magnificent throw triple loop. On those huge throws. That was the Salchow. Well, after what was a very shaky start, I've got to say that was a great comeback. They fought really, really hard all the way through the program. Those falls on the side-by-side triple flip at the beginning of the program. It was an ambitious start, that's for sure. And I believe it's the first time that they've gone for the triple flips in competition. A risky call didn't come off here, but they kept pushing all the way through the program. Just felt in places the choreography was lacking it. It looked as though they didn't quite know what they were doing. It was a little disjointed in places, for sure. Yeah, I agree. But you're right. Bit of a bummer for the triple flips for them. They really had a goal of getting those out here. I'm so impressed by Sofia in these throws. She's amazing, isn't she? The way she opens up, still with two or three feet to go. She opens up earlier than anyone I've ever seen, I think. I think we're going to get to see them, so we'll take a look. The only negative grade of execution is the opening element, the triple flips. This triple twist, and at a level 3, it is not the biggest that we'll see in this event, but they're very efficient with their features, so they're still able to get a good amount of points for that. 6.27. Here's their jump sequence. Triple Saucow. Little far apart. Stepping into a single axel. Another single axel. Here's this first throw. Throw, triple loop. Watch Sofia. She's opening. It's incredible, truly. Beautiful landing stretch, great extension. And again, here with the Saucow. Knows exactly where she is. Judges are looking for very good height and distance, good speed and flow and control, effortless. And I really think they're doing all of these things in these elements. These are really strong elements for them. And you're right, Chris, where they can continue to improve is their cohesiveness as a team. Transitions through the program, that certainly is going to help them, but let's see what they get here. 108.22 is their season's best score. They need 115.99 to go into the lead. Yeah, 111.35. It's third place for Sofia and Artem. So, at the moment, it's good news for the Polish team, who look like they're going to be moving up a couple of places. But nevertheless, a very brave effort from the Ukrainian team.