The anticipation was palpable as the 2025 ISU Grand Prix Final kicked off on December 5 in the vibrant city of Nagoya, Japan. However, reigning champion Amber Glenn found herself grappling with a significant challenge. The acclaimed American skater, who dazzled fans with her performance last season, opened her routine with a much-anticipated triple Axel but unfortunately popped the jump, landing her in sixth place with a score of 66.85.
Glenn’s difficulties were immediately apparent in a field teeming with elite competitors, with the closest skater, Japan’s Watanabe Rinka, topping out at 70.68 to place fifth. Despite the rocky start, Glenn displayed her resilience by recovering steadily. She followed her initial mishap with a competitive performance, which featured a solid triple flip-triple toe-loop combination and a triple loop to conclude a strong recovery.
Leading the pack was home hero Chiba Mone, continuing her dominant season. Mone, who notched up two wins in her Grand Prix outings, scored an impressive 77.27 to take the top position after the short program. Alysa Liu, Glenn’s American teammate and reigning world champion, is in striking distance, securing second place with a score of 75.79, just 1.48 points behind Mone.
This Grand Prix Final serves as a critical marker for skaters aiming to establish themselves ahead of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026. As the season unfolds, all eyes remain on Glenn as she seeks redemption in the free skate and aims to regain her footing before the Olympic stage.
Fans and experts alike are eagerly looking forward to more electrifying performances as the competition heats up, setting the stage for an exhilarating showcase of artistry and athleticism.
