FIGURE SKATING
Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) takes sublime step forwards in Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy
15 Nov 2024
Three-time and reigning ISU World silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) skated to a commanding lead at the ISU Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy which opened in Helsinki (FIN) with the Men’s Short Program on Friday.
Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) tops Men’s Short Program
Reigning Olympic silver medalist Yuma Kagiyama of Japan is on track for back-to-back ISU Grand Prix gold medals after taking a commanding lead in the Short Program ahead of teammate Kazuki Tomono and France’s Kevin Aymoz.
Although he came straight from the NHK Trophy in Tokyo, Kagiyama did not look tired at all, and put out a terrific performance to “Sound of Silence”. He nailed a quad Salchow, quad toe-triple toe, triple Axel and difficult spins. The NHK Trophy Champion scored 103.97 points.
Yuma Kagiyama (JPN) in the Men’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU
“Today I was little worried about my tiredness, as it was a very short time between the competitions,” Kagiyama said. “However, I gave a performance today and I will try to do the same tomorrow. There are so many talented skaters here and they motivated to me to do well.
“I made a mistake at the NHK Trophy on the quad flip, so tomorrow I'll try to do better. I try to skate like I practice and not think too much,” he added.
Skating to “Tshegue” and “Muanapoto”, Tomono presented an upbeat program which was highlighted by a quad toe-double toe, quad Salchow and triple Axel. The Japanese Skater improved his season's best by seven points with a score of 90.78 points.
Kazuki Tomono (JPN) in the Men’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU
“In the morning practice, my condition was very good, but during the six minutes warm up I was very nervous, but I managed to give a good performance,” Tomono said.
“Tomorrow in the Free Skating I will take it step by step. The program has more speed than today’s, but I try to improve those things that I didn’t do in the last competition. (At the Grand Prix de France) I was still hurt from my injury. After that I tried not to push myself too much and do everything I can.”
Aymoz started very well into his program to “Everybody” by Martin Solveig, landing a quad toe-triple toe and triple Axel, but then he popped the Lutz and fell.
The 2024 Skate America silver medalist recovered to impress the crowd at the Helsinki Ice Hall with his spectacular footwork. Aymoz earned 85.13 points and kept himself in contention for the podium and the ISU Grand Prix Final.
Kevin Aymoz of France in the Men’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Helsinki, Finland © ISU
“To be honest, tomorrow it’s going to be very stressful because we are playing the spots for the Final,” Aymoz admitted.
“After my break down (in the past season) I am taking the pre-Olympic season as slow and cool as I can - and the Grand Prix Final was not my goal. After that I learned that the Final is in my home town, Grenoble, at the rink where I stepped for the first time on the ice, so it's huge and I really want to participate.
“I want to fight because Skate America was such a great event for me. I went in relaxed, without stress. So I want to do the same and I will try to get as many points as I can.”
Some other medal hopefuls made errors, but they still can catch up in the Free Skating.
2023 ISU Grand Prix Finalist Sota Yamamoto (JPN) crashed on his triple Axel to come fourth (82.43 points) followed by 2023 European bronze medalist Lukas Britschgi (SUI) on 80.44 points. 2024 NHK Trophy silver medalist Daniel Grassl (ITA) missed his triple Lutz and currently sits in sixth place with 77.91 points.
For full entries, schedules & results, see the ISU Grand Prix Event Page & ISU Grand Prix Finlandia Trophy Event Page & Official Finlandia 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 Finlandia Trophy is as follows
Friday, Nov 15: Men’s, Women’s & Pairs Short Programs
Saturday, Nov 16: Men’s & Women’s Free Skating, Rhythm Dance
Sunday, Nov 17: Pairs Free Skating, Free Dance
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.
