Maxime Deschamps and his partner Deanna Stellato-Dudek started the World Figure Skating Championships strong on Wednesday in Saitama, Japan, where they finished fourth in the pair’s short program presented as the curtain raiser of the event.

The Canadian champions, who are teaming up for the very first time in the context of the World Championships, quickly chased away the nervousness to offer a performance that lived up to their expectations. Carried by the atmosphere of the Saitama Super Arena, they obtained a score of 72.81 from the judges.

“It was really fun to skate at worlds for the first time in my career. There was a bit of stress for sure, but we were able to put on a good performance in front of a really good crowd! The more people there are in the stands, the more fun it is and I would even say that it is easier to skate in front of full stands,” said Maxime Deschamps as he left the rink.

“It’s not our best short program of the season, but we were superior in several elements and we are very satisfied,” added his partner Stellato-Dudek, who is competing in the world second of his career this week.

The 39-year-old skater represented the United States with Nathan Bartholomay in Milan in 2018, finishing 17th.

With their score of 80.72, the Japanese Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, second in 2022, sit at the top of the provisional classification ahead of the Americans Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier (74.64), reigning champions of the event. Italians Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii (73.24) follow in third place.

Also in action at this event, Ontarians Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud (65.31) are in sixth place, while Brooke McIntosh and Benjamin Mimar (63.33) are in tenth place.

The three maple leaf duos will therefore be back in action on Thursday for the free program. For the occasion, Maxime Deschamps and Deanna Stelatto-Dudek will be aiming for their fourth international medal of the season.