ISU GP Finlandia Trophy 2025: Chiba Mone leaps over Amber Glenn to take women’s title
The 2025 Finlandia Trophy in Helsinki delivered a thrilling conclusion to the women’s singles event, as Chiba Mone of Japan overcame reigning Grand Prix Final champion Amber Glenn to seize her second consecutive Grand Prix title of the season. This remarkable performance solidifies both skaters’ spots in next month’s Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan, amplifying the excitement for this upcoming showdown.
Chiba Mone displayed impressive resilience as she climbed from second place to victory, achieving a top score of 144.33 in her free skate to bring her total to 217.22. With a remarkable skate themed to “Romeo and Juliet,” Mone showcased her emotional range, earning applause from the audience while punctuating her run with a pump of her fists in celebration after finishing.
Despite facing minor setbacks due to under-rotations on her introductory jumps, Mone’s clean execution on subsequent elements delivered a noteworthy performance nearly matching her personal best. Reflecting on her skate, Chiba acknowledged the struggles, stating, “The quality was good… and I was able to deliver emotions through the step sequence and choreo sequence, so I’m happy.”
Glenn, meanwhile, entered the event battling illness but still managed to execute her signature triple Axel in the program’s early moments. However, diagonal mistakes—such as a doubled triple Lutz—led to a segment score of 137.69 and an overall 213.41, dropping her to second place. “It’s still a decent score,” Glenn assessed. “Mone was absolutely incredible… I didn’t feel my best, but I was happy I was able to still do something.”
Rounding up the podium, Japan’s Matsuike Rino soared from sixth to third place, earning a total of 193.21. She noted that, while encountering her own struggles, the unexpected score was a delight for her. “Through the step and choreo sequence I was able to achieve this score,” she expressed.
Other notable results included the withdrawal of Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx from the free skate due to medical reasons, as the competition showcased the ups and downs inherent in figure skating.
The intensity of the competition is set to build as all three athletes look toward the Grand Prix Final, where challenges will escalate, and performances will captivate audiences worldwide.
