Local Skaters Qualify for Nationals With Titles

Motivated by the incentive of competing in the U.S. figure skating championships in their hometown, Beatrisa Liang of Granada Hills and Michael Villareal of Downey won the senior women’s and men’s titles Saturday at the Pacific Coast Sectional Championships in Burbank and qualified for the national competition at Staples Center in January.

Liang, 13, triumphed despite a knee problem that limited her preparation early in the week. Her free-skating program to music from Cirque du Soleil was superior to her competitors’ routines, although marred when she stepped out of a triple loop and opened up on a planned triple lutz. She earned marks of 4.9 to 5.5 (out of 6.0) for technical merit and 4.7 to 5.4 for presentation.

Villareal, 15, skated to “Amazing Grace” and “Gettysburg” as he rallied from second place after the short program to defeat Don Baldwin of Los Angeles.

The top four finishers in the men’s, women’s, pairs and dance events at the novice, junior and senior levels qualified for the national competition. Defending U.S. champions and world medalists are exempt from qualifying through regional or sectional competitions.

“It’s great having nationals here. I can stay home,” said Liang, who has grown about two inches, to 4 feet 81/2, since her impressive sixth-place finish at last year’s national competition. “I’m really excited. I like my new program because it’s a better style for me. I like the music. I can express myself and really feel the music.”

Liang was entered in Junior Grand Prix meets at Phoenix and at Nagano, Japan, but lost those chances when safety concerns led the U.S. Figure Skating Assn. to withdraw its skaters from the Junior Grand Prix series. Her coach, Tiffany Chin--the 1985 U.S. women’s champion and a two-time world bronze medalist--feared Liang might be at a disadvantage without international competition. However, Chin said Liang has maintained a strong work ethic.

“This competition was vital for her,” Chin said. “She’s done a lot of growing, which looks fantastic, but there are a few minor setbacks. She did this competition essentially without jumping Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so she had a few problems related to stamina.

“I’m very encouraged by what she’s been doing. And I’m excited about her program. It’s mature and flirty and she’s all of 13 years old, so she’s had to stretch. It’s been a great task for her, and I think she will be up to it.”

Ye Bin Mok, who trains in Torrance with Peter Oppegard, finished second. The 17-year-old from Culver City fell on her first jump but otherwise displayed grace and style. “I love that nationals are here,” said Mok, who has overcome problems after growing three inches in the past year.

Villareal was third at the U.S. junior championships earlier this year but passed his senior-level proficiency test. “I could have skated better, but I’m pleased,” said Villareal, who plans seven triple jumps in his long program.

Oppegard denied reports he has been coaching U.S. and world champion Michelle Kwan since she dropped coach Frank Carroll last month.

“I am not working with Michelle,” said Oppegard, who coaches with Kwan’s sister Karen. “She’s a great skater and a great talent, and I’ve worked with her in the past. I’ve seen all those rumors. I guess maybe people look back at people she worked with before.

“Michelle is doing what Michelle needs to do for herself. She’s a great champion. I would love to see her stand up and [win at the Olympics]. If anybody can, she can.”