The National Times - Malinin captures third straight Skate America crown

Weather - Sydney 19°C

Malinin captures third straight Skate America crown

SPORTS 20.10.2024

Malinin captures third straight Skate America crown / Photo: © AFP

World champion Ilia Malinin won his third straight Skate America title Sunday, adjusting on the fly after a mid-routine mistake to hold off France's Kevin Aymoz at the first Grand Prix event of the season.

Change text size:

Self-styled "Quad God" Malinin doubled one of the four planned quadruple jumps in his free skate -- then calmly added an extra quadruple Salchow-triple Axel late in his routine to score 190.43 points for a winning total of 290.12.

"I'm completely shocked," Malinin told broadcaster NBC. "I don't know what just happened. I just went full auto-pilot through there."

The 19-year-old electrified the crowd with a backflip in his closing choreography sequence, the new move now allowed since the International Skating Union ended its longtime ban on "somersault style" elements prior to the season.

Malinin became the first three-time Skate America champion since Nathan Chen won four titles in a row from 2017 through 2020.

He needed to pull out all the stops after French veteran Aymoz delivered a powerful free skate to rocket from fourth to the top of the standings.

The 27-year-old, who ended his disappointing 2023-24 campaign early to focus on his mental health, was overcome with emotion after a stunning free skate that included a pair of quadruple jumps along with a spectacular triple-Axel, double-Axel combination.

Aymoz was in tears again as his career best free skate score of 190.84, for a total of 282.88, was revealed.

"I think it was a pretty challenging moment for me," Malinin said. "Stepping on the ice I felt more nervous than usual. That might have played a part in the whole programme."

Japan's Kao Miura, who trailed Malinin by just 15-hundredths of a point after the short programme, finished third with a total of 278.67 points.

Competition concludes later Sunday with the ice dance free dance.

Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson were the surprise leaders after the rhythm dance over two-time reigning ice dance world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates -- who were trying to fight back after an uncharacteristic fall for Chock in the opening phase.

The six-leg Grand Prix series continues with Skate Canada in Halifax, Nova Scotia, next Friday through Sunday.

C.Blake--TNT

Featured

Oilers Edge Flyers 3-2 in Overtime Despite Philadelphia's Shot Dominance

The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in overtime at Rogers Place on Wednesday night. Evan Bouchard scored the winning goal just 47 seconds into the extra period, capping a comeback that overcame a late tying goal by Travis Sanheim despite Philadelphia outshooting Edmonton.

Maswanganyi Clarifies Pirates Allegiance Amidst Career Transition

Patrick Maswanganyi has addressed speculation surrounding his career by reaffirming that Orlando Pirates remains his dream club, despite growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Speaking during an exclusive interview, the Bafana Bafana international also clarified the nature of his relationship with former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his recent exit from the Soweto giants.

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Change text size: