ISU Grand Prix Final 2025: Kagiyama’s Personal Best Too Much for Malinin Despite Quad Axel Attempt
In a stunning display of talent and precision, Kagiyama Yuma has taken the lead in the first segment of the 2025 Grand Prix Final, held in his home country of Japan. On December 4th, during the short program held in Nagoya, Kagiyama delivered a performance that wowed both judges and spectators alike, achieving a remarkable personal best score of 108.77 points. This score not only eclipsed his previous record of 108.12, set at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, but also established him as a formidable contender in this prestigious competition.
Defending champion Ilia Malinin, acknowledged as a heavy favorite entering the final, found himself trailing depressingly far behind Kagiyama, finishing the short program with only 94.05 points. Malinin attempted the incredibly difficult quad Axel, a jump that no other skater is currently trying, to start his routine but unfortunately stepped out of the landing. This misstep proves pivotal as it allowed Kagiyama to seize the lead, further intensifying the narrative heading into the decisive free skate scheduled for Saturday.
Currently in second place, local favorite Sato Shun showcased impressive performances as well, securing 98.06 points. This competition marks a thrilling chapter in the ongoing season, particularly with three talented skaters vying for top positions.
The stakes continue to rise as fans eagerly await Saturday’s free skate. The dramatic performances by both Kagiyama and Malinin during the ISU Grand Prix Final keep audiences on the edge of their seats, making this year’s event an unforgettable winter highlight in professional figure skating.
Stay tuned for more updates from this thrilling competition, as more surprises and performances unfold on the world stage.
