Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Beijing, China © ISU
ISU World Champion Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) skated to the lead as the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final continued Friday in Beijing (CHN) with the Women’s Short Program. The ISU Grand Prix Final features the best six Skaters/Couples in each discipline of the Grand Prix events competing against each other for the first time this season.
World Champion Sakamoto (JPN) looking for redemption
Two-time and reigning ISU World Champion Kaori Sakamoto of Japan took the first step in her quest to win her first ISU Grand Prix Final medal by coming first in the Short Program. Belgium’s two-time ISU World medalist Loena Hendrickx sits in second followed by her young teammate Nina Pinzarrone.
Sakamoto opened her lyrical performance to “Baby God Bless You” with a big double Axel and a triple Lutz. She continued with a triple flip-triple toe combo and two level-four spins to set a season’s best of 77.35 points.
“Today I gave one of my best performances and I am very happy with it,” the Olympic bronze medalist shared. “As for this season, I am in a positive mood and I keep it upbeat.
“Last year I was not in this mood. After the Olympic Games I was trying to find new targets for myself and I was not satisfied with the results. This year I changed my mindset and try to be more proactive. The key to my success today was that I was very focused on my performance,” she continued.
Loena Hendrickx entertained the crowd with her upbeat “Living for Love” program that included a double Axel, triple Lutz-triple toe combination and level-four steps. Only the triple flip was somewhat shaky. The Grand Prix Skate America Champion picked up 73.25 points.
Loena Hendrickx (BEL) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Beijing, China © ISU
“I know I can do better, but overall I really enjoyed skating here. I love to skate, so I’m happy,” Hendrickx commented.
She revealed that she suffered an injury Friday last week in practice at home.
“I jumped a triple Lutz and I fell down in a wrong way. I couldn’t move anymore and had to stop practice immediately. I went to the physiotherapist and I was not sure if I am able to compete here. But I trained on Monday and it was OK.”
Pinzarrone turned in a solid performance to “Charms” from the “W.E.” soundtrack, landing a double Axel, triple loop and a slightly underrotated triple Lutz-triple toe combination. The two-time ISU Grand Prix medalist posted a personal best of 66.72 points.
Nina Pinzarrone (BEL) in the Women’s Short program at the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final in Beijing, China © ISU
“I know there are still some things to work on and I am here to improve with every competition,” the 16-year-old said. “I am really happy to be here with Loena to represent our country in the Final and to make history together by having two Belgium skaters in the Grand Prix Final. This is really amazing. I’m proud of us and happy to skate with her.”
The other three skaters struggled with some elements. Hana Yoshida.fell on her triple Axel and combination jump to finish fourth at 60.65 points. Rion Sumiyoshi (JPN) popped her Lutz to come fifth at 58.63 points and Isabeau Levito (USA) doubled her Lutz. She ranks sixth (56.53 points).
Full results are available here.
Schedule of the event
Friday, December 8: Junior Rhythm Dance, Pairs Free Skating, Junior Women’s Free Skating, Women’s Short Program & Rhythm Dance
Saturday, December 9: Junior Free Dance, Junior Pairs & Junior Men’s Free Skating, Free Dance, Women’s & Men’s Free Skating
Sunday, December 10: Exhibition Gala
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series consisted of six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, the Grand Prix Espoo (FIN) and NHK Trophy (JPN).
A total of 154 Skaters/Couples competed in the series: 46 Men, 43 Women, 29 Pairs and 36 Ice Dance couples.
The General Announcement of the 2023/24 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.
ISU Grand Prix Standings
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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Selection Criteria
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).
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