Olympic gold medalist Kim Yu-na is facing an uphill battle to repeat as world champion this year.

Kim slipped numerous times to finish a shockingly low seventh in the short program Friday at the world championships in Turin, Italy. Her score of 60.30 was one of her lowest since her 2006 debut on the senior circuit.

Mirai Nagasu of the U.S. won the short program with a score of 70.40, followed by Mao Asada of Japan with a score of 68.08.

Kim's compatriot Kwak Min-jung fell on her first triple lutz to finish 23rd with 47.46 points in her first-ever appearance at the competition. Kwak did, however, manage to advance to the free skating competition on Saturday.