NATIONAL figure skater Julian Yee had a tough day at the office yesterday, but still remains on track to defend his gold at the Philippines Sea Games.
Julian scored 63.400 points in the short programme at the SM Megamall Ice Skating rink in Manila to be placed atop the leaderboard.
He holds a slim advantage over second-placed Christopher Caluza (62.400) of the Philippines.
Another Filipino, Edrian Paul Celestino, is third on 61.500.
The medallists will only be decided after tomorrow’s free skating scores are tallied.
Julian, who is the first Malaysian figure skater to compete in Winter Olympics — in Pyeongchang last year — is hoping to bounce back strongly tomorrow.
“I’m not too happy with my performance today (yesterday)... I made a few mistakes,” said Julian.
“But this is how it is in competitions, some days you do well and other days you don’t.
“However, I’m looking at it very positively because we still have Sunday (tomorrow). I hope to be a little better on Sunday and keep my top spot.
“As far as my medal chances are concerned, I’m just hoping that everything goes well and I finish on the podium on Sunday.”
In women’s event, Aina Sorfina Mohd Aminudin and Chew Sze Chyi are sixth and seventh respectively on 25.700 and 22.800 heading into the free skating segment tomorrow.