Kevin Aymoz of France performs during the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating at Espoo (FIN) © ISU
Kevin Aymoz of France surprisingly took the lead in the Men’s Short Program over hot favorite Ilia Malinin (USA). Japan’s Shun Sato came third.
Aymoz nailed a nice triple Axel right out of the gate into his routine to “Still Don’t Know My Name” by Labrinth, but wobbled on the triple flip-triple toe combination. The French Champion went on to complete a triple Lutz, level four spins and steps and especially shone in his expressive footwork to score 88.96 points. Aymoz’s stellar performance comes off the back of an ankle injury, which made his success even sweeter to him.
“This is my first big competition this season. I got injured six weeks ago, I tore my ankle,” Aymoz said.
“I am glad to be here, even if I don't have the technical level to do big quads. I'm not expecting a lot of results tomorrow. I've been injured and the injury makes me realize that I am here to enjoy the moment.”
Skating to “I Put a Spell On You”, Malinin produced a quad Salchow and quad toe-triple toe combination, but both toeloops were slightly underrotated and he stumbled on his triple Axel. He earned a level four for the change camel spin and a level three for the other two spins and the step sequence to pick up 85.57 points.
Ilia Malinin (USA) in action during the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating at Espoo (FIN) © ISU
“Even though it wasn't the best skate that I had, I still enjoyed performing for the audience,” the 17-year-old said.
Malinin has a problem with his left foot, but did not want to draw too much attention to it.
“I’m a little bit injured, I’m playing it safe, protect it to make sure the injury doesn’t get worse,” he said.
The Skate America Champion has a good chance to make it to the Final with his first place from Norwood, but he tries not to dwell on it too much.
“The Final is really important to me, but I just focus on my competition and try to be confident, trust in my training. If everything goes well that will get me to the Final.”
Sato is also competing for a spot in the Final, but he needs to finish at least second in Espoo. The Japanese started with a quad toe-double toe into his program to “Carol of the Bells”, but crashed on his quad Lutz. The MK John Wilson Trophy bronze medalist fought back to hit his triple Axel. He netted 81.59 points.
Shun Sato of Japan performs during the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating at Espoo (FIN) © ISU
“I am disappointed in my short program. I would like to regroup and put out a stronger free program,” Sato said.
“I’m trying not to think too much about the Final, and just do what I can do.”
Keegan Messing (CAN) remains a contender for the podium in fourth place at 80.12 points. Tatsuya Tsuboi (JPN) follows in fifth (78.82 points) while Arlet Levandi (EST) rounds up the top six (72.67 points).
Schedule of the event
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, November 25: Pairs, Women’s & Men’s Short Programs, Rhythm Dance
Saturday, November 26: Pairs, Women’s & Men’s Free Skating, Free Dance
Sunday, November 27: Exhibition Gala
The Grand Prix Espoo in Espoo (FIN) November 25-27 is the sixth and last event in the 2022/23 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series.
More than 150 Skaters/Couples representing 29 ISU Members have been invited to the Series. The maximum number of entries for each event is 12 Ladies, 12 Men, 8 Pairs and 10 Ice Dance couples.
The General Announcement of the 2022/23 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series is available here. The individual announcements are published under the respective events. Full entry lists and further information are available on the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series page.
Selection Criteria
In order for a Skater/Couple to be eligible to compete at an ISU Grand Prix event, a minimum total score must have been achieved in the 2021/22 or current 2022/23 season in an ISU event (Grand Prix, Junior Grand Prix, Championships) or a Challenger Series event. Exceptions apply to host country Skaters, previously ranked Skaters or split ranked Couples who return with new partners. The minimum total score is 3/5 of highest score per discipline at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2022 and are as follows: Women: 141.65, Men: 187.49, Pairs: 132.65, Ice Dance: 137.89.
Following the IOC recommendation and in order to protect the integrity of ice skating competitions and for the safety of all the participants of international ice skating competitions, the ISU Council based on Article 17.1.q)i) of the ISU Constitution, agreed that with immediate effect and until further notice, no Skaters belonging to the ISU Members in Russia (Russian Skating Union and the Figure Skating Federation of Russia) and Belarus (Skating Union of Belarus) shall be invited or allowed to participate in International ice skating competitions including ISU Championships and other ISU Events. The same applies to Officials listed in the respective ISU Communications and/or Regulations under Russia and Belarus (see ISU Communication 2469).
Grand Prix Standings
Men Women Ice Dance Pair Skating
Where to Watch
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be live streamed on the official ISU YouTube Channel in most countries. Find out where to watch the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions.
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ISU Grand Prix Schedule
The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events are available below:
21 - 23 Oct, 2022 Skate America, Norwood (USA)
28 – 30 Oct, 2022 Skate Canada International, Mississauga (CAN)
04 - 06 Nov, 2022 Grand Prix de France, Angers (FRA)
11 - 13 Nov, 2022 MK John Wilson Trophy, Sheffield (GBR)
18 - 20 Nov, 2022 NHK Trophy, Sapporo (JPN)
25 - 27 Nov, 2022 Grand Prix Espoo, Espoo (FIN)
08 - 11 Dec, 2022 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Torino (ITA)
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known a s the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. The top six of the past World Championships are seeded. Competitors collect points in their Grand Prix events towards the qualification for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Only the top six Skaters / Couples in each discipline can qualify for the Final.
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