Local hero Mikhail Shaidorov leads the men’s field at ISU CS Denis Ten Memorial 2025: Preview, top athletes, how to watch live
World silver medallist and Four Continents champion Mikhail Shaidorov is set to kick off his figure skating season on home ice at the Denis Ten Memorial, taking place in Almaty, Kazakhstan from 1 to 4 October. Shaidorov, who emerged victorious at last year’s event, enters the competition with high stakes as he aims to defend his title and launch into an Olympic season showcasing his talent.
The prestigious competition welcomes top skaters across seniors and juniors in men’s and women’s singles, alongside ice dance events. Shaidorov’s journey promises intrigue as he competes against formidable opponents, including two-time Olympians Cha Junhwan and Jason Brown.
Honoring the legacy of Kazakhstan’s late figure skating luminary, the event marks a significant moment for Shaidorov. At 21 years old, the Kazakh skater had a remarkable previous season, underlined by a gold medal at the Four Continents Championships and culminating in a silver medal at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston. The moment marked a resurgence for the nation’s figure skating scene, once spotlighted by bronze medallist Denis Ten.
The competition won’t be easy, as experienced competitors will vie fiercely for victory. Cha Junhwan, who secured a impressive seventh-place at the World Championships, is fresh off a win at the Kinoshita Group Cup. Additionally, Jason Brown’s recent come-back performance puts him in a solid position as the event unfolds. Testifying to the field’s competitiveness, Nika Egadze of Georgia also aims for a podium finish following his historic success at earlier Denis Ten Memorials.
In the women’s event, the promising Sofia Samodelkina strives for breakthroughs following her strong showing last season. Residents of Almaty will rally behind their home skater, potentially giving her the edge against top-tier neighbors like Lee Haein and Madeline Schizas.
As the ice dance pairs make their entrance, Sofia Val/Asaf Kazimov look to ride the momentum from a captivating performance at the ISU Skate to Milano Qualifier. Their fierce rivals, Diana Davis/Gleb Smolkin, and Alicia Fabbri/Paul Ayer, will also be vying for the coveted championship title.
Fans of figure skating won’t want to miss the exhilarating four-day event, livestreamed on the official YouTube channel of the competition, “Denis Ten Forever”. Get ready for not just competition but a true celebration of artistry and sportsmanship in the world of figure skating.
