Yuma Kagiyama Wins Silver, Shoma Uno Falls to Fourth; Ilia Malinin Sets Record as Men’s World Figure Skating Champion

A Historic Win for Ilia Malinin

MONTREAL (AP) — American figure skating sensation Ilia Malinin has etched his name in history as both a world champion and a world-record holder. In a stunning display at the World Figure Skating Championships, Malinin captivated the audience with a series of six quad jumps, including his signature quad axel, to secure the men’s singles crown on Saturday night.

Dominance in the Free Program

After finishing third in Thursday’s short program, the 19-year-old Malinin delivered a breathtaking performance in the free program, scoring a world record 227.79 points while skating to the “Succession” soundtrack. His combined total of 333.76 points was more than 20 points ahead of the nearest competitor, showcasing his dominance in the field. The Bell Centre crowd was on its feet, cheering and clapping as Malinin executed his sheer athleticism, culminating in his collapse to the ice in disbelief at his own achievement.

Shoma Uno’s Struggles and Yuma Kagiyama’s Rise

Two-time defending world champion Shoma Uno of Japan faced a challenging evening, falling to fourth place with a total score of 280.85 after missing two quad jumps at the beginning of his program. Meanwhile, Yuma Kagiyama of Japan delivered an impressive performance to claim the silver medal with a score of 309.65. Kagiyama’s consistency and skill ensured a podium finish, adding to his growing reputation in the sport.

Adam Siao Him Fa’s Remarkable Comeback

France’s Adam Siao Him Fa provided one of the most remarkable stories of the competition, climbing from 19th place to third with an electrifying display that included a backflip. His bronze medal-winning performance, scoring 284.39 points, was a testament to his resilience and showmanship, earning him a well-deserved spot on the podium.

Ice Dance Champions: Madison Chock and Evan Bates

Earlier on Saturday, American ice dance champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates successfully defended their world title with a season-best total score of 222.20. Their elegant and technically proficient performance solidified their status as top competitors in the ice dance discipline. Canada’s Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier claimed silver with a score of 219.68, while Italy’s Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri took home the bronze with 216.52 points.

Montreal’s Historic Hosting

This year’s championship marked a significant moment for Montreal, hosting the event for the first time since 1932. The city was initially scheduled to host the 2020 championship, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation. The successful return of the championships to Montreal added a historic and celebratory atmosphere to the competition.

Looking Ahead to Boston 2025

As the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships conclude, the spotlight now shifts to Boston, which will host the competition in 2025. Skating enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate another thrilling year of performances, records, and unforgettable moments in figure skating history.

Ilia Malinin’s extraordinary achievement in Montreal will be remembered as a milestone in figure skating, setting a new standard for excellence and inspiring future generations of skaters.

Source: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/figure-skating/20240324-176389/

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