Laurence Fournier-Beaudry and Nikolaj Sorensen arrived in Japan with the firm intention of getting on their first podium at the World Figure Skating Championships. They kicked off their run with a fifth-place finish in rhythm dancing on Friday in front of a packed crowd at Saitama’s Super Arena.

The reigning Canadian champions danced with liveliness and picked up the pace from start to finish. Acclaimed by the many fans, they scored 85.59 to close the top 5 of the day.

“We had a lot of fun,” Nikolaj Sorensen said. It is for this event that we have worked all year and to be able to deliver a solid performance here, at the last competition of the season. Couldn’t ask for better. »

Fournier-Beaudry and Sorensen had won the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this season, in addition to taking silver in France.

Results that allow them to aspire to a first medal at the World Championships, they who are in their eighth participation. Last year, they placed ninth.

With the free program still to be played on Saturday, they are currently 1.75 points behind third place held by their compatriots Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (87.34).

“We are very grateful to be here. When we walked into the arena… wow! It’s a chance to be able to create this connection with the public. We had a lot of fun and we are happy with the way we skated,” said Laurence Fournier-Beaudry.

“The main goal is always to skate at the height of our abilities and be happy with our routine. That’s what we did today. Whatever happens next is out of our control,” Sorensen added.

Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates took the lead with 91.94 points. Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri of Italy were second (88.21).

The conclusion of the ice dance will take place on Saturday.