ISU CS Denis Ten Memorial 2025: Mikhail Shaidorov defends title with dominant margin
Almaty, Kazakhstan witnessed an electrifying performance as Mikhail Shaidorov successfully defended his title in the men’s singles at the ISU Challenger Series Denis Ten Memorial on Saturday, October 4. Emerging victorious with a commanding score of 282.22 points, Shaidorov showcased his prowess on home ice.
The 2025 world silver medallist and Four Continents champion opened the Olympic season at this prestigious Challenger Series event, which honors the legendary Kazakh figure skater and Olympic bronze medallist Denis Ten. Shaidorov, a fervent admirer of Ten, demonstrated a commitment to continuing his legacy through skate performances infused with artistry and athleticism.
In an impressive display, Shaidorov did not disappoint his home crowd. He began his free skate with an acclaimed triple Axel-Euler-quad Salchow combination, successfully transitioning into two additional quad jumps—firmly establishing an early lead. Although he experienced a fall on the quad toe loop mid-program, it proved to be a momentary setback.
Recovering with the energy of a seasoned competitor, Shaidorov executed a flawless triple Lutz-triple Axel combo, a feat that further bolstered his score. His performances across both programs propelled him 15.32 points ahead of his closest competitor, Nika Egadze of Georgia, who took second with 266.90 points. The USA’s Jason Brown finished third with a total of 257.81 points.
This year’s ISU CS Denis Ten Memorial showcased incredible talent from a talented field of athletes, highlighted by standout performances that promise excitement throughout the upcoming figure skating season. With more competitions on the horizon, the skating world eagerly anticipates each athlete’s quest for Olympic glory in the seasons ahead.
As next events approach, fans can look forward to further showcases like that of Shaidorov’s, paving the way for new heights in professional figure skating.
