Nathan Chen Brings His A-Game In First Skate At Beijing Winter Olympics

Nathan Chen put the world on notice in his first skate at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Friday. (Watch the clips below.)

Chen, who struggled at the 2018 Games and left without an individual medal, earned a personal-best score and the second-best in history for a short program. His top 111.71 score helped the Americans to a lead in the team competition, NBC Sports noted .

He performed to Charles Aznavours rendition of La Boheme, delivering a near flawless routine.

At a news conference , Chen attributed the 2018 mishaps to a lack of international experience at the time.

He lived up to his billing as the gold medal favorite on Friday:

\"Here's the easiest of @nathanwchen's jumping passes...\" #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/G8Zr44J2Pt

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"Here's the easiest of @nathanwchen 's jumping passes..." #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/G8Zr44J2Pt
NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 4, 2022

Nathan Chen in slow motion. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/hQ0gYASTky

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Nathan Chen in slow motion. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/hQ0gYASTky
NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 4, 2022

Welcome to the 2022 #WinterOlympics, Nathan Chen. pic.twitter.com/Vob07orLwf

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Welcome to the 2022 #WinterOlympics , Nathan Chen. pic.twitter.com/Vob07orLwf
NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) February 4, 2022

Ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue boosted the U.S. cause with the best score in the rhythm dance segment. Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier earned third place in the pairs short program.

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The U.S. has 28 points, followed by ROC with 26. The competition resumes Saturday.