Emily Chan and Spencer Howe overcame their short preparation to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships to score 65.86 points and take a narrow lead over the duo of Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea after the pairs short program Thursday. Chan and Howe were competing for the first time since his shoulder forced the reigning silver medalists to miss the majority of the season. Otherwise, Chan and Howe appeared to be pleased with their program inside Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Kam and O'Shea were second with 64.57 points after his two-footed landing on their triple salchow and her mistake on their throw triple loop.

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Persons: Emily Chan, Spencer Howe, Ellie Kam, Danny O'Shea, Chan, Howe, Kam, O'Shea, Katie McBeath, Daniil Parkman, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Isabeau Organizations: U.S, Nationwide Locations: Columbus , Ohio, U.S