Cynthia Phaneuf of Canada competes in the ladies short program of the ISU Four Continents Championships in Colorado Springs, Colorado February 10, 2012. REUTERS/Rick WilkingReuters
Canada's Amelie Lacoste and Cynthia Phaneuf are in a near deadlock with a world championship team berth on the line at the ISU Four Continents figure skating championships.
Lacoste, the reigning Canadian champion from Delson, Que., is seventh after the women's short program Friday with 51.72 points.
Phaneuf, from Contrecoeur, Que., trails in eighth at 50.76 points.
The Canadian women's entry for world championships will be named following their performances at this week's competition.
"I'm disappointed with my performance," said Lacoste. "My training has been very strong since the nationals with many perfect runs. I missed my triple Lutz today, which I have been landing successfully all week. All I can do is forget about this and start fresh tomorrow."
Phaneuf fell twice in her program and had trouble finding her rhythm early on.
"I think I just warmed up too much and lost my legs," she said. "But I'm still in contention for the world championship berth and tomorrow is going to be like a new competition."
Mao Asada of Japan, the 2010 world champion, leads at 64.25, recently crowned American champion Ashley Wagner is second at 64.07 and Kanako Murakami of Japan follows in third at 63.45.
Alexandra Najarro of Richmond Hill, Ont., stands 14th.
The women's free skate is on Saturday night.