The Republic of Korea’s Lee Haein dazzlingly emerged at the forefront of the 2025 ISU CS Denis Ten Memorial, taking a definitive lead in the women’s short program on Thursday, October 2. Impressively improving her score from the previous Kinoshita Group Cup by over five points, Lee notched an outstanding 64.78 points in the competitive event held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Last time around at the Kinoshita Group Cup, Lee only managed a seventh-place finish with a score of 59.39 points. However, her performance in Almaty was betrayingly confident. Skating to a heartfelt rendition of “My Way” by Sydnie Christmas, Lee delivered significant elements including a clean double Axel and a triple flip in the latter segment of her routine. Although she had an under-rotation on her triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination, the rest of her presentation culminated in commendable marks for her spins and intricate step sequences.
Madeline Schizas, Canada’s three-time national champion, secured second place with 55.55 points. Despite falling on her triple loop, Schizas executed a solid double Lutz-triple toe loop combination and was able to capture at least one top-level spin.
In third place, Josephine Lee from the United States rounded out the top three with a score of 54.15 points. She also stumbled on her triple loop, following it with a less-than-stellar result on her attempted triple flip-triple toe loop combination.
The event saw the notable absence of Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina, an anticipated frontrunner, who was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury sustained during practice for a triple Axel.
The excitement continues as the women’s singles competitors gear up for the all-important free skate on Friday, October 3, where athletes will aim to solidify their standings in this crucial gathering of elite figure skating.
