Michael Martinez tops first 6 skaters in Sochi

Michael Christian Martinez of the Philippines reacts after competing in the men’s short program figure skating competition at the Iceberg Skating Palace during the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Still coming through the odds in the medal round, Michael Christian Martinez scored 119.44, topping the first six participants, in front of newfound fans in his medal round performance at the Sochi Winter Olympics Friday night.

The 17-year-old Filipino started his performance rocketing up a triple axel following it up with another variation of the jump with a double toe landing to the tune of a 184.25 aggregate.

His theatrics flowed to the crowd as he pointed to the audience continuously throughout his performance.

He finished his performance with Half Biellmann spin to the tune of cheers and claps, erasing an early fall in the first half of his performance.

“My goal is to qualify and to compete again in the next Winter Olympics,” Martinez said in a television interview after his performance.