FIGURE SKATING
Fiery and fierce Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) defends NHK Trophy title
09 Nov 2024
Reigning ISU World silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) celebrated a clear victory on home ice and defended his ISU Grand Prix NHK Trophy title in Tokyo (JPN) on Saturday.
Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) shines on home ice
The 2022 Olympic silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan celebrated a convincing victory in an exciting Men’s competition. Italy’s Daniel Grassl celebrated a great comeback on the ISU Grand Prix and claimed the silver medal. Tatsuya Tsuboi of Japan skated to his first ISU Grand Prix medal, the bronze.
Kagiyama was on fire in his Flamenco program to “Ameksa” and “Romanza from Concertino for Guitar and Orchestra”, reeling off three quadruple jumps, two triple Axels and a triple flip-triple loop combination, as well as level-four footwork. He only missed his opening quadruple flip.
Kagiyama netted 194.39 points, a season’s best, and racked up 300.09 points to become NHK Trophy Champion once again.
Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) wins the Men’s Free Skating at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy in Tokyo, Japan © ISU
“I knew I had to go in believing in myself. On the quad flip, the timing was off, that is why I missed it. But I was able to regroup and to have that sense of confidence that I was looking for,” Kagiyama said.
“I think this is a testament to what kind of growth I've been going through. The short program was wonderful. For the Free Skating I have a lot of takeaways and I want to learn from them, so that I could do better in Finland (at the ISU Grand Prix). I know what challenges I must address from now on.”
Grassl interpreted “Billy Elliot” in his Free Skating – the story of a young boy who wants to become a dancer against all odds.
The 2022 ISU European silver medalist nailed a quad Lutz, loop and Salchow, as well as five clean triple jumps to score a season's best of 181.84 points. With a total of 264.85, the Italian jumped from fifth place on to the podium. It was a successful comeback for Grassl, who had to sit out the past season.
Daniel Grassl (ITA) in the Men’s Free Skating at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy in Tokyo, Japan © ISU
“This medal means a lot to me,” Grassl shared. “I was very surprised today about the program. I worked a lot for it.
“I didn't think that at the first Grand Prix, after so much time that I haven’t competed, I could do so well. I was very nervous before, but when I entered the ice, I tried to think: ‘Just do what you have worked for, you trained very well, you need to have confidence in yourself’.”
It was another great day also for Tsuboi, who came out and laid down a dramatic career-best performance so far to “I Pagliacci”.
His performance included two quadruple Salchows. The Japanese Skater posted a personal best of 166.50 points and remained in third place at 251.52 points.
Tatsuya Tsuboi (JPN) in the Men’s Free Skating at ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating NHK Trophy in Tokyo, Japan © ISU
“I didn't even think that I would end up third,” Tsuboi said. “I knew I had to do everything I can, and put my best out there and give it my all. The work I put in, day in, day out paid off. This is my first podium in the senior Grand Prix series, so it's been a great confidence booster.”
The 2024 Grand Prix de France bronze medalist Andrew Torgashev (USA) turned in another strong performance to finish fourth (246.58 points). Matteo Rizzo (ITA) skated very well to move up two spots to fifth place at 246.56 points in his comeback from injury. Kao Miura (JPN) dropped from second to sixth after an error-ridden performance (240.38 points) and was gutted afterwards.
(L-R) Silver for Daniel Grassl (ITA), gold for Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) and bronze Tatsuya Tsuboi (JPN) in the Men’s Free Skating in Tokyo, Japan © ISU
Kagiyama picked up 15 points and will compete again next week at the ISU Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy hoping to secure his spot in the Final. In Helsinki, he will meet Grassl again, who bagged 13 points. Tsuboi (11 points) currently has no second assignment.
For full entries, schedules & results, see the ISU Grand Prix Event Page & ISU Grand Prix NHK Trophy Event Page & Official NHK Trophy Website.
Check out the ISU Grand Prix Standings to find out who is on their way to qualify for the Final:
Men Women Pair Skating Ice Dance
What & When
The schedule of the NHK Trophy is as follows
Friday, Nov 8: Rhythm Dance, Pairs, Men’s & Women’s Short Programs
Saturday, Nov 9: Free Dance, Pairs, Men’s & Women’s Free Skating
Sunday, Nov 10: Exhibition Gala
Follow the ISU Grand Prix events:
The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating event are available below:
- 18 - 20 Oct 2024 Skate America in Allen, TX (USA)
- 25 - 27 Oct 2024 Skate Canada International in Halifax (CAN)
- 01 - 03 Nov 2024 Grand Prix de France in Angers (FRA)
- 08 - 10 Nov 2024 NHK Trophy in Tokyo (JPN)
- 15- 17 Nov 2024 Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki (FIN)
- 22 - 24 Nov 2024 Cup of China in Chongqing (CHN)
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final:
- 05 - 08 Dec 2024 Grenoble (FRA)
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known a s the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. The top six of the past World Championships are seeded. Competitors collect points in their events towards the qualification for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Only the top six Skaters / Couples in each discipline can qualify for the Final.
