In a dazzling display of talent and precision, two-time world champion Ilia Malinin has secured victory at the prestigious ISU Challenger Series Lombardia Trophy, held in Bergamo, Italy, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. With this triumph, Malinin signals a formidable start to his Olympic season, once again surpassing the 300-point mark with a total of 306.65.
Skating last in the event, Malinin entered the free skate with a substantial 13-point lead from his short program performance. Opting to hold back his signature quadruple Axel, he nevertheless showcased his prowess by landing an impressive four quads. Despite not executing the Lutz and toeloop to his usual standard, a stunning quad Salchow-triple Axel combination secured him high technical scores, capping the routine with an eye-catching backflip. His free skate score of 197.78 topped the day’s rankings.
Following Malinin in second place was Olympic silver medallist Kagiyama Yuma of Japan, who rebounded from cramp issues in his short program to deliver a commendable free skate. Though he managed to land two quad jumps, one was assessed with a quarter call, and a triple Axel received a negative Grade of Execution. Kagiyama’s final score was 285.91, solidifying his standing just ahead of home competitor Nikolaj Memola, who finished third.
In a surprising turn, Miura Kao, originally seated in third after the short program, struggled with numerous jumping errors, ultimately placing sixth overall. He was one spot behind strong performances from Sato Shun and two-time European champion Adam Siao Him Fa, who claimed fourth and fifth respectively.
As Malinin gears up for future competitions, he sets his sights on the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. His upcoming assignments will take him first to the Grand Prix de France in Angers next month and then to Skate Canada in Saskatoon at the end of October. The focus remains sharp as Malinin aims for Olympic gold in 2026, a goal he describes as a defining moment in his career.
Here are the men’s results from the ISU CS Lombardia Trophy 2025:
1. Ilia Malinin (USA) 306.65 (197.78)
2. Kagiyama Yuma (JPN) 285.91 (190.47)
3. Nikolaj Memola (ITA) 265.37 (177.22)
4. Sato Shun (JPN) 254.14 (176.08)
5. Adam Siao Him Fa (FRA) 244.36 (158.30)
6. Miura Kao (JPN) 233.02 (140.26)
7. Andreas Nordeback (SWE) 230.37 (154.92)
8. Luc Economides (FRA) 229.19 (149.37)
9. Maxim Naumov (USA) 223.43 (146.72)
10. Kyrylo Marsak (UKR) 223.20 (147.85)
