16-year-old men's singles figure skating rising star Choi Ha-bin (Hangwang High School) finished third in the short program at the 2026 International Skating Union (ISU) Figure Skating Junior Grand Prix Series 4.

Competing at the Ümitköy Ice Skating Rink in Ankara, Turkey, Choi scored 69.66 points—comprising 37.33 points in technical elements (TES), 33.33 points in program components (PCS), and a 1-point deduction. He placed third behind Japan's Daiya Ebihara (72.46 points) and Ukraine's Yehor Kurtsev (71.0 points).

Following Choi, Yoo Dong-han (Surim High School) took fourth place with 66.95 points (TES 38.50, PCS 29.45, deduction 1).

Choi, who laid the groundwork for advancing to the Junior Grand Prix Final by winning the second leg of the Junior Grand Prix last month, showed some regret in his jump consistency today.

Choi had a shaky start on his first jumping element, the triple lutz (5.90 base value), touching the ice with both hands upon landing and losing a substantial 2.95 points in grade of execution (GOE).

In the subsequent triple flip-triple toe loop combination jump (9.50 base value), he received an attention call (unclear edge) on the flip jump, earning only 0.30 points in GOE.

After executing a flying camel spin (Level 4), Choi had an unstable landing on his bonus-zone triple axel (8.80 base value), losing 2.40 points in GOE. He then wrapped up his routine with a step sequence (Level 4), change-foot sit spin (Level 3), and change-foot combination spin (Level 4).

The free skating event, where Choi will challenge for a comeback victory, will be held tomorrow (the 19th).

(Photo: Captured from ISU SNS, Yonhap News)