Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Espoo (FIN) © ISU
Two-time World Champion Kaori Sakamoto clinched a narrow lead as the Grand Prix Espoo continued with the Women’s Short Program in Espoo (FIN) Friday. The Grand Prix Espoo is the fifth of six events of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating serie 2023/24 with top Skaters of the world competing and collecting points towards the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN) on December 7-10.
Sakamoto (JPN) edges teammate Sumiyoshi
ISU World Champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan edged her teammate Rion Sumiyoshi by just 1.04 points for the lead in the Women’s Short Program. Korea’s Chaeyeon Kim is a few paces behind in third place before the final Free Skating on Saturday.
Sakamoto opened her elegant performance to “Baby God Bless You” with a big double Axel and a triple Lutz. However, the Skate Canada Champion unexpectedly doubled the flip, but was able to add a triple toe for a valid combination. Sakamoto collected a level four for her three spins and a level three for the footwork to score 69.69 points.
“In the short program I doubled the flip, I was supposed to do triple-triple. It happened before in practice, so I was not too shocked. I was able to add a triple toe after that and that’s why I was able to get the score,” Sakamoto said.
“In the score I have a small margin. I cannot make any mistakes and need to make sure I skate clean. One of my goals for this season is to go to the Grand Prix Final with two first places, so it is every important to skate a good program to bring a good momentum into the Final,” she explained.
Sumiyoshi’s oriental themed program to “Blood in the Water” was highlighted by a double Axel, triple flip-triple toe, a triple Lutz and difficult spins. The Grand Prix de France bronze medalist achieved a personal best of 68.65 points.
Rion Sumiyoshi (JPN) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Espoo (FIN) © ISU
“After the Grand Prix in France I was able to use that experience for my practice. I was able to focus on myself today and execute each jump,” Sumiyoshi told the press.
“For the free skating, just like today, I would like to concentrate and execute the elements one by one, just skate like myself and not try too hard. I do realize that after today’s result I’m a little closer to the Final. But I should not expect too much. It would be great if I get to go, but first I need to do what I should do.”
Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Espoo (FIN) © ISU
Kim delivered another strong performance to music from the “Pina” soundtrack, completing a triple flip, double Axel and level-four spins. The only glitch came when she underrotated the back end of her triple Lutz-triple toe combination. The Skate Canada silver medalist earned 66.19 points.
“Compared to the Grand Prix in Canada I was very nervous and I couldn’t really perform clean. I am happy to be able to stand up. Hopefully I’ll skate better tomorrow,” the 16-year-old said.
“For tomorrow I’d like to perform every element clean and sharp. I love to go the Final, but thinking about it will make me more nervous,” she continued.
Young You (KOR) placed fourth with on 63.46 points followed by Lorine Schild (FRA) on 61.07 points. Janna Jyrkinen (FIN) rounds up the top six at 58.63 points.
For full results of the ISU Grand Prix Espoo see here.
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series consists of six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, the Grand Prix Espoo (FIN) and NHK Trophy (JPN). Skaters collect points towards to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN).
ISU Grand Prix Standings
The General Announcement of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series is available here on the ISU website. The individual announcements are published on the ISU Event section under each dedicated Grand Prix event (filter with the relevant Event Series.
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Where to Watch
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ISU Grand Prix Schedule
The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events are available below:
20 - 22 Oct, 2023 Skate America, Allen (Texas, USA)
27 – 29 Oct, 2023 Skate Canada International, Vancouver (CAN)
03 - 05 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix de France, Angers (FRA)
10 - 12 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN)
17 - 19 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Espoo, Espoo (FIN)
24 - 26 Nov, 2023 NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN)
07 - 10 Dec, 2023 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Beijing (CHN)
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known as 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 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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