ISU World Team Trophy 2025: Ilia Malinin Empties the Tank En Route to First Place in Men’s Free Skate
The two-time world champion Ilia Malinin scraped to the finish line of the 2024-25 figure skating season but still showcased his talent by claiming first place in the men’s free skate at the ISU World Team Trophy 2025 in Tokyo on April 18. With an exhausting performance, Malinin scored 183.88, putting him four points clear of teammate Jason Brown and 11 points ahead of Italy’s Daniel Grassl, as the USA leads the team standings with 95 points.
The World Team Trophy serves as one of the final chances for nations to test their competitive spirit ahead of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The participating teams include the defending champions USA, along with Japan, Italy, France, Canada, and Georgia, all vying for international recognition.
Adding to the USA’s strong performance, Madison Chock and Evan Bates exhibited remarkable prowess with a season-best free dance score of 133.51, securing a maximum of 24 points across two programs. They brush aside competition from Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who claimed second with 131.91.
Capturing perfect scores in both competitions exemplified Chock/Bates’ parkour-like consistency this Olympic cycle, igniting excitement among fans for the journey toward Milano Cortina 2026.
Pairs world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi delivered a personal-best short skate of 80.99, earning crucial points for Japan, as they continue their momentum after an impressive return from injury. The skating season makes it evident that athletes have adjusted their focus towards peak performance ahead of the Olympics.
As competition heats up in Tokyo, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the ISU World Team Trophy 2025, with numerous storylines merging hopes, resilience, and the glory of Olympic aspiration.
