American Nathan Chen wins 3rd straight men’s title at World Figure Skating Championships

STOCKHOLM — Nathan Chen put himself in the company of history's best figure skaters, becoming the first American since Scott Hamilton to win a third consecutive men's title at the World Figure Skating Championships.

Chen was dynamic in easily surpassing two-time Olympic champ Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan in the free skate and stamping himself as the man to beat at next year's Beijing Olympics. Indeed, Hanyu struggled enough Saturday to fall to third place behind 17-year-old countryman Yuma Kagiyama, who took silver in his first senior worlds.

"I wouldn't say this is my best free program ever," Chen said. "But it's one I will definitely remember forever and cherish, being able to skate like that and skate this piece here at worlds."

His "Quad King" reputation well-founded, Chen landed five four-rotation jumps with a ferocity. His balance of artistry and technique has improved since 2017, when Chen won his first of five successive U.S. titles.

"The fact I'm able to be here at this world championships after this unprecedented year, it's amazing. I'm elated right now," Chen said. "I just tried to really remind myself to enjoy being here. I don't know how many more world championships I'll get to be at. Doing that, I was able to be a lot more calm."

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