Meno, Sand Turn In Clean Death Spiral American Skaters Nail Routine That Cost Them National Title

American pairs skaters were upbeat about their performances in Tuesday’s short program.

With a tight, clean routine, three-time U.S. champions Jenni Meno and Todd Sand overcame all the errors in their disastrous short program at last month’s nationals. This time, Sand didn’t drop his wife on her head during the death spiral. Meno was unhurt but the error cost the couple the title.

“That’s all forgotten,” Meno said. “This routine felt great. It’s the first time we’ve done a triple toe loop at a worlds. We came here to do that and we succeeded.”

Kyoko Ina and Jason Dungjen, the couple who won the U.S. national title from Meno and Sand, while just as optimistic, were somewhat more cautious.

“Winning the nationals gave us a lot of confidence that we’re one of the best in the world,” Dungjen said. “Our goal is to be among the top five or better. But it’s still anybody’s game going into the long program.”

Stephanie Stiegler and John Zimmerman, the last American pair to skate, stumbled in their program.