Shun Sato (JPN) flew high to retain his title in a thrilling competition at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing Saturday.

Shun Sato (JPN) soars to victory

“Firebird” Shun Sato of Japan flew to his second consecutive Cup of China gold medal with a spectacular performance. Italy’s Daniel Grassl collected the silver medal while Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan took bronze. 

Skating to “Firebird”, Sato turned in a perfect Free Skating performance that was highlighted by a quad Lutz, two quad toes and two triple Axels. The 2024 ISU Grand Prix Final bronze medalist achieved a season’s best of 183.99 points and racked up 278.12 points. 

“I am very glad to have achieved my season’s best in this competition,” Sato said. “I felt more nervous than in the Short Program but I was able to handle myself well in the Free Skating and I am very satisfied with my performance.”

Sato now takes 15 points for the ISU Grand Prix Standings into his second event, the NHK Trophy, at home in Japan in two weeks. 

“My preparation for the Cup of China went very smoothly so I will just prepare the same way. The NHK Trophy is very important to me, so I will work very hard,” he added. 

Shun Sato (JPN) secured gold to retain his title at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing © ISU

Grassl had chosen the soundtrack to “Conclave” – about the election of the Pope – and delivered a strong performance that included a quad Lutz and loop. The crowd appreciated his costume change at the end when he opened his jacket to reveal a white costume underneath. The ISU Grand Prix finalist set a season’s best of 179.01 points and totaled 269.43 points. 

“It was not easy for me to skate after Mikhai [Shaidorov]l. I knew he had done very well and I’m happy with how I fought,” Grassl said. “My warm-up didn’t go so well, but I am happy how I used the time before my skate to concentrate.

“My second Grand Prix is Skate America and I will prepare to skate on a much shorter rink,” he added. 

Daniel Grassl (ITA) took the silver following the Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing © ISU

Shaidorov went for his trademark triple Axel-Euler-quad Salchow combination but the second jump was slightly under-rotated. The ISU World silver medalist reeled off a quad Lutz and flip, but fell on the second quad toe. He netted 174.34 points for a total of 262.67 points to remain in third place. 

“It was somehow hard to skate today but I am pleased with my performance,” Shaidorov said. “I went for five quads and I think it worked out quite well. There were some little mistakes I need to work on and then it will get better and better.

“There is a big take-away from this competition. My next Grand Prix is Skate America and I hope to show a completely different level of skating there.”

Mikhail Shaidorov (AZE) took bronze at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing © ISU

Tomoki Hiwatashi (USA) moved up from sixth to fourth place with a personal best score of 245.71 points. Two-time ISU World bronze medalist Boyang Jin (CHN) came fifth on 232.81 points followed by Vladimir Litvintsev (AZE) in sixth (222.64 points).

ISU Grand Prix Standings

Check out who is on their way to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Final:

Men                               Women                    Pairs                      Ice Dance

For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.

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