Former national medalists Tiffany Vise and Derek Trent, the first pair to land a throw quadruple Salchow in an international event, announced today that they have ended their partnership after six years together. This past season they finished fifth at both of their ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series assignments, Trophée Eric Bompard and Skate Canada. They were eighth at the 2009 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Cleveland, Ohio. Their best finish at the U.S. Championships came in 2008, when they placed fourth.

U.S. Figure Skating announced today the individuals and teams that will compose the A, B and C team envelopes for the 2009-10 season. All of the ladies, men and pairs on “Team A” have Web sites at Figure Skaters Online.

Led by World Champion Evan Lysacek, the United States won the inaugural World Team Trophy over five other nations in Tokyo. U.S. bronze medalist Caroline Zhang (175.68) and two-time U.S. silver medalist Rachael Flatt (171.81) finished third and fourth, respectively, in the ladies competition.

The United States is leading after two days of action at the inaugural World Team Trophy in Tokyo. World Champion Evan Lysacek led the charge on the men’s side. He recorded 238.56 points for his overall performance, which contributes 12 points to Team USA’s standing.

Team USA has 48 points after the completion of the original dance, men’s short program and ladies short program. Japan is second with 43 and Canada is third with 39. In the men’s short program, Evan Lysacek was second while Jeremy Abbott placed fifth. Rachael Flatt is fifth.

Evan Lysacek will compete for the first time as World Champion April 16-19 when the inaugural World Team Trophy comes to Tokyo, Japan. Rounding out the American squad are U.S. Champion Jeremy Abbott, who won the Grand Prix Final; five-time U.S. Champions Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, who won silver at Worlds; U.S. silver medalists Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett, who were ninth at Worlds; two-time U.S. silver medalist Rachael Flatt, who was fifth at Worlds; and U.S. bronze medalist Caroline Zhang, who was second at the World Junior Championships.

Nicholas LaRoche, the 2002 U.S. Champion in the junior men’s competition, announced today that he has retired from competitive skating. After skating a strong free skate at the Pacific Coast Sectional Championships and a solid short program at nationals, he withdrew from the U.S. Championships. “My goal was to be satisfied, leaving the ice with no regrets and loving every minute of my performances,” LaRoche said.

Reigning U.S. Championship silver medalists in junior pairs Brynn Carman and Chris Knierim, also the 2008 U.S. novice champions, announced today that they have ended their three-year partnership.

U.S. Figure Skating announced today the eight athletes chosen to represent the United States at the inaugural ISU World Team Trophy competition, which will take place April 16-19 at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. They include Jeremy Abbott, Rachael Flatt and Evan Lysacek.