Figure skating – Skate America 2025: Eyeing first Grand Prix title, Tomono Kazuki leads, with Kevin Aymoz close behind
Pre-event favourite Mikhail Shaidorov faltered and sits third as American hope Jason Brown opens his Grand Prix season featuring a revamped ‘Riverdance’ program.
In his 16th career Grand Prix appearance, Japan’s Tomono Kazuki is a skate away from his first-ever victory. The 27-year-old skater brought the house down Friday night at Skate America 2025 in Lake Placid, New York, scoring an impressive 95.77, giving him a narrow lead over France’s Kevin Aymoz, who finished with 93.56.
The reigning world silver medallist, Mikhail Shaidorov, skated last but encountered difficulties, losing crucial points on both his jumps and spins. He ended the men’s short program in third with a score of 89.67. Italy’s Daniel Grassl followed closely in fourth with 83.68, while home favourite Jason Brown, known for his artistic flair, experienced several minor issues, landing him in fifth place with a score of 82.69.
“It’s one step,” Tomono expressed, referring to his performance. He aims to achieve a “comeback” after finishing fourth at Skate Canada just two weeks ago. His coach’s high-five as his name was announced in the historic 1980 Herb Brooks Arena surprised and relaxed him, enhancing his performances.
Tomono noted, “It pumped me up a little bit,” he admitted, laughing through an interpreter. “I hope to make up for my frustration from Skate Canada in the free skate tomorrow. This is the first step towards that… and now I hope I can complete it.”
Before this event, Tomono had originally placed second at Skate Canada; however, he stumbled in the free skate, ultimately falling out of medal contention. Skate America is a pivotal factor in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating this Olympic season, as athletes strive to secure one of the coveted spots at the Grand Prix Final next month in Nagoya, Japan.
More to come as the competition continues to unfold and excitement builds!
