SPORTS

Daleman leads after short program at Canadian figure skating championships

The Canadian Press Published Friday, January 23, 2015 3:21PM EST

Gabrielle Daleman from Newmarket, Ont., performs her short program during the women's competition at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Kingston, Ont., Friday, January 23, 2015. (Paul Chiasson / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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KINGSTON, Ont. -- Gabrielle Daleman of Newmarket, Ont., shrugged off an illness to finish first in the women's short program at the Canadian figure skating championships Friday.

The 17-year-old, who has been battling strep throat, scored 62.91 points to beat a field missing reigning Canadian champion Kaetlyn Osmond.

Daleman fell hard on her triple Lutz but skated an otherwise strong program.

Veronique Mallet of Sept-Iles, Que., was second with 61.19, while Alaine Chartrand scored 60.25 for third.

Osmond, a two-time national champion and Olympic team silver medallist, is sidelined for the season after she fractured her right fibula in the fall.

Friday's short program set up a tight race for the two spots in women's singles on the Canadian team for the world championships in March. The Canadian championships determine Canada's squad.

Short programs in men's singles, pairs and ice dance were scheduled for later Friday.