Knockout punch
Longtime rivals Johnny Weir and Evan Lysacek played their cards closed to the vest all the way up until the end in the Championship Men’s free skate Saturday night.
It was Lysacek who had the winning hand, however, landing a quadruple-toe, triple-toe combination on his way to winning his first national Senior Men’s title at the United States Figure Skating Championships.
Lysacek brought a sellout Arena crowd to its feet after completing his program, then fell to his knees in gratitude. He clearly had realized what he did with his score of 248.88
“It was like an out-of-body experience,” Lysacek said.
He said that he was told by coach Frank Carroll as he went on the ice that he needed to attempt the jump that is hard to land.
“He gave me some tough love,” joked Lysacek.
Weir ended up third with a score of 213.20 after he fell on a triple and two-footed a landing on an attempted quad.
Ryan Bradley skated last and vaulted himself over the three-time defending champion with an inspired program that drew an extended standing ovation from the crowd. He had a score of 219.21.
Weir skated after Lysacek and had to wait through an extended ovation and a shower of stuffed animals from the crowd. He said that it was intimidating.
“It was difficult to follow,” said Weir. “I fought and fought (to defend my title), and I’m proud of that. I fought every step of the way.
“Bronze still isn’t too shabby, but you compare that to my three golds and that’s very disappointing.”
Weir said he was as impressed with Lysacek’s score as the crowd.
“What the hell did he do? Ninety-something (for the free skate)? That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that. I was very shocked. I thought, ‘What the hell did Evan just do?’ “
When asked whether he was beaten by Lysacek, Weir replied bluntly, “Beat me? He didn’t just beat me, he kicked my ass.”
Weir entered the night as the three-time defending national champion. Lysacek was seeking his first title and felt like he had something to prove to himself in his critics.
They skated in the final group, with Lysacek first and Weir next, followed by Bradley – who was third after the short program.
The top three finishers will represent the U.S. at the world championships in March in Tokyo.