FIGURE SKATING
Shun Sato (JPN) celebrates first ISU Grand Prix title at Cup of China
23 Nov 2024
Shun Sato (JPN) celebrated his first ISU Grand Prix title in an exciting Men’s Free Skating at the Cup of China on Saturday, when the suspense lasted until the very end. With his win, Sato guaranteed himself a spot in the ISU Grand Prix Final. The Cup of China in Chongqing (CHN) is the sixth and last event of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series 2024/25 and thus provides the last chance for Skaters to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix Final.
Shun Sato (JPN) celebrates maiden victory
Japan’s Shun Sato celebrated his first ISU Grand Prix title, edging Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan by just over two points. ISU European Champion Adam Siao Him Fa of France settled for the bronze but qualified for the Final too.
Shun Sato of Japan competes in the Men's Free Skating at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing © ISU
Overnight leader Sato was last to skate and opened his performance to “Nostos” with a quad Lutz. The planned quad flip was next, but the Japanese Skater doubled the jump. Unfazed, Sato went on to reel off a quad toe-triple toe, another quad toe as well as four triple jumps and two level-four spins and level-four steps. The 2024 ISU Four Continents silver medalist scored 179.73 points and was ranked second in the Free Skating. Overall he held on to first place at 278.48 points.
“I am satisfied with my performance today even though I made a mistake on the flip," Sato said. "Overall the program was fine.
“I am quite happy I can win a Grand Prix. This was actually one of my goals this season and I am happy to have achieved it. I’ll work to give better a better performance in the Grand Prix Final.”
Mikhail Shaidorov (KAZ) tops Free Skating segment
Shaidorov showed off his impressive jumping qualities as well in his routine set to an epic version of the “Moonlight Sonata” and “Take Me On”. The 20-year-old opened his performance with a quad Lutz and followed up with his unique triple Axel-quad toeloop combination, a quad toe-Euler-triple Salchow and a slightly under-rotated quad flip. He only slipped in the choreo sequence and this error cost him the gold and the qualification for the Final. Shaidorov posted a personal best of 182.96 points and won the Free Skating segment. Overall he remained in second place with 276.17 points.
“My performance was very good," Shaidorov shared. "It is a shame that I missed my slide in the choreo step. Maybe I got a bit ahead of myself. I hope I won’t do that again.
“I am sad that I won’t go to the Grand Prix Final but hopefully I’ll continue to grow and come back to China next year to get the gold medal.”
Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan competes in the Men's Free Skating at Huaxi Cultural And Sports Center in Chongqing © ISU
Siao Him Fa had a shaky start into his epic “Dune” program when he doubled the planned quad Lutz. The 2024 ISU World bronze medalist recovered to complete his two quad toes but he struggled with the triple Axel. The Frenchman netted 161.31 points for a total of 252.53 points to take the bronze.
“It wasn’t the best performance tonight," he said. "It was kind of hard as I injured my right ankle again on the first jump. I tried my best but I wanted to do better. I am a bit disappointed but it happens and I’ll do my best to heal and to be ready for the Grand Prix Final.”
Nika Egadze (GEO) placed fourth on 247.54 points while Matteo Rizzo (ITA) finished fifth (243.82 points). Daiwei Dai (CHN) came sixth (237.35 points).
Sato got 28 points while Siao Him Fa collected 26 points and both will return to the Final for the second time.
For full entries, schedules & results, see the ISU Grand Prix Event Page & ISU Grand Prix Cup of China Event Page .
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 Cup of China is as follows
Friday, Nov 22: Rhythm Dance, Women’s, Men’s & Pairs Short Programs
Saturday, Nov 23: Free Dance, Women’s, Men’s & Pairs Free Skating
Sunday, Nov 24: 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.
