Ilia Malinin wins gold at season-opening Grand Prix of France by vast 40-point margin
Ilia Malinin showcased his dominance in the world of professional figure skating, establishing a significant lead ahead of the Winter Olympics. The world champion from the United States recorded a breathtaking victory at the Grand Prix of France, achieving an unprecedented 40-point margin in Angers, France. Malinin, aptly nicknamed the “Quad God,” astounded fans and judges alike by successfully landing five quadruple jumps during his free skate performance. Despite a minor under-rotation on one jump, he expressed confidence in his ability to further enhance his routine. “I think I’ll be improving a lot more,” he remarked. “I think I can take away a lot from this competition. It was such fun and I’m really looking forward to the future season.”
Malinin’s remarkable achievement extends his unbeaten streak to nearly two years since his last defeat at the hands of Adam Siao Him Fa at the same event in November 2023. With a total score of 321 points, Malinin secured a decisive lead over Siao, who finished in second place with a score of 280.95. Siao displayed resilience by bouncing back from fifth place after the short program, but extending his streak of three consecutive wins at his home Grand Prix proved to be out of reach. Nika Egadze from Georgia claimed third place with a score of 259.41, while European champion Lukas Britschgi of Switzerland followed in fourth, 10 points behind.
In addition to Malinin’s remarkable performance, the ice dance category saw Olympic champion Guillaume Cizeron take the gold with his new partner, Laurence Fournier Beaudry. The pair scored 211.02, overtaking overnight leaders Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson from Britain, who finished with a score of 210.24. Lithuania’s Allison Reed and Saulius Ambrulevicius took the third spot, concluding the event with a score of 201.05.
“It’s really heartwarming to be at home with this amazing crowd and this amazing partner,” said Cizeron. The Grand Prix of France kicks off the season’s series of competitions leading to Olympic glory in February, acting as a crucial platform for skaters in their quest for medals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
