Madison Chock and Evan Bates are one program away from a record-tying sixth U.S. ice dance title.
The two-time reigning world champions topped the rhythm dance at the Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Friday.
They tallied 92.16 points, taking a massive 9.3-point lead over Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko going into Saturday’s free dance in Wichita, Kansas. That despite Chock not feeling 100%.
“Experiences like today really help us a lot,” Bates said on NBC Sports. “I mean, it’s not fun to skate when you’re not feeling your best, but knowing we can still go out and perform well under any circumstances is such a confidence boost.”
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Chock and Bates are going for a fourth consecutive national title and sixth overall — 10 years after their first crown.
They can tie the U.S. ice dance titles record of six held by 2014 Olympic gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White.
Chock and Bates partnered in 2011 after Chock’s previous partner, Greg Zuerlein (not the kicker), retired. Then Bates and his 2010 Olympic partner, Emily Samuelson, dissolved their team weeks later. More on the beginnings of Chock and Bates here.
Chock and Bates have since competed at three Olympics with a best ice dance finish of fourth, plus earned a team event gold medal in 2022. They got married last June.
In March, they can become the first ice dancers to win three consecutive world titles in 28 years. Next year, they can join Davis and White as the only Americans to win Olympic ice dance gold.
Nationals continue later Friday with the women’s free skate, live on NBC and Peacock at 8 ET.
For Madison Chock, Evan Bates, an ice dance to seize, at long last, at figure skating worlds
Madison Chock and Evan Bates, ice dance partners for 12 years and three Olympics, can win a first global title at the world figure skating championships.
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