Martinez finishes 28th, fails to advance to Olympics free skate round

Michael Christian Martinez of the Philippines performs during the men’s short program figure skating in the Gangneung Ice Arena at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Michael Christian Martinez failed to advance in the men’s single figure skating, finishing 28th in the short program Friday in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter OIympics at Gangneung Ice Arena.

The 21-year-old could only muster 55.56 points–26.04 from technical elements and 29.52 from presentation–
in his short program performance, good for third to the last place among 30 skaters.

Only the top 24 skaters from the short program are advancing to the free skate round which is slated on Saturday.

Though Martinez had a clean run without deductions, most of his moves were seen as largely basic compared to the level of difficulty of the routines of the other competitors.

READ: PH bet Michael Martinez puts on flawless show in Olympics short program

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan lead all the skaters with 111.68 points, followed by Javier Fernandez of Spain with 107.58 and Shoma Uno of Japan with 104.87.

Back in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Martinez proceeded to the next round after ranking 19th with his 64.81 points in the short program. He then ended up at 20th place after getting a 119.44 points in the free skate round.

The Philippines’ medal hopes in the quadrennial Games now hinges on Asa Miller, who will compete in the men’s giant slalom in the alpine skiing event on Sunday.