He finished second in the short program after struggling on multiple jumps, trailing Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama’s electrifying performance by almost 10 points. The reigning world champions swept both dance programs for the team event to pace the United States to a 44-point team total. The United States has not named the skaters who will perform Sunday’s long programs. Malinin planned to open with his quad axel in combination with a triple toeloop but settled only for a quad flip. With Malinin’s second-place finish, the United States held a one-point lead for the gold medal entering the long programs.

Source: Los Angeles Times February 08, 2026 11:49 UTC