Shun Sato competes in the men's free skate at the Cup of China on November 23 at the Chongqing Huaxi Culture and Sports Center, in Chongqing, China. (©Tyrone Siu/REUTERS)
Read the full story on SportsLook - [ICE TIME] Shun Sato Clinches 1st Grand Prix Title at Cup of China in Chongqing
After medaling six times over five seasons on the senior Grand Prix circuit, Shun Sato finally broke through for his first victory at the Cup of China on Saturday, November 23, in Chongqing. The 20-year-old had four GP silver medals and two bronze in his career but had never stood atop the podium before.
Sato won with a total score of 278.48 points, two points ahead of Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov, who was second at 276.17 and clinched a spot in December's GP Final. France's Adam Siao Him Fa finished third on 252.53.
American Amber Glenn took the women's crown with 215.54 to book her place in the GP Final, with Mone Chiba placing second at 211.91 to also qualify for the prestigious six-skater competition in Grenoble, France (December 5-8). South Korea's Chaeyeon Kim came in third on 208.47.
Rion Sumiyoshi (202.45) was fourth, while Rinka Watanabe (196.95) ended up fifth. Watanabe's result did not qualify her for the GP Final but made her the first alternate in case of injury or illness.
Sato Pleased with Cup of China Performance
Sato skated to "Nostos" in his free skate and landed two clean quadruple jumps and five triples on the way to victory. He doubled a planned quad flip, but notched level fours on two of his spins and step sequence in what had to be an emotional win after years of frustration.
"I am satisfied with my performance today even though I made a mistake on the flip," Sato said. "Overall, the program was fine."
Added Sato, "I am quite happy I can win a Grand Prix. This was actually one of my goals this season and I am happy to have achieved it. I'll work to give a better performance in the Grand Prix Final."
Sato, who led after the short program, held off a fine free skate by Shaidorov, who landed three clean quads and another on the quarter, to prevail.
The Sendai native has been a talented skater for years but has struggled with injuries and the inability to break through in key competitions as a senior. It is hard to believe for such a talent, but Sato has yet to compete in the world championships.
A few years ago, a prominent person in the skating world asked me who I thought was better at that point, Sato or Yuma Kagiyama.
"At this moment, Yuma is the more polished skater," I replied. "Shun is still a bit raw but has great potential."
Sato's triumph keeps him on track for a place on Japan's 2026 Olympic team along with Kagiyama and Kao Miura. During the 2019-20 season, Sato was the Junior GP Final titlist.
Men's Lineup for the Grand Prix Final
Kagiyama will join Sato in the GP Final field that will also include world champion Ilia Malinin, Siao Him Fa, Kevin Aymoz and Daniel Grassl.
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
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Author: Jack Gallagher
The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan.
