The 9th World Figure Skating Team Trophy kicked off today, April 17, 2025, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Shibuya, Tokyo, bringing together the best figure skaters from around the globe for a thrilling competition. The event runs until April 20, featuring a mix of men's and women's short programs, pairs, and ice dance competitions.
In the ice dance rhythm dance (RD) segment, the Japanese duo known as "Utamasa," consisting of Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto from Kinoshita Academy, delivered a solid performance, scoring 56.63 points, which placed them in 6th position. The top spot was claimed by the American pair Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who dazzled the audience with a score of 91.25 points, showcasing their exceptional skills and chemistry on the ice.
The excitement doesn’t stop there, as the free dance program is set to take place tomorrow, April 18, promising to be another highlight of the competition.
As the competition unfolded, the men's short program saw fierce competition as well. Ilia Malinin of the USA took the lead with a remarkable score of 106.08 points, which included a technical score of 59.91 and a performance score of 46.17. His performance was a testament to his status as the reigning world champion, even though he fell short of his personal best set at the World Championships in March.
Japan's Yuma Kagiyama also made a strong showing, finishing in 4th place with a score of 93.73 points, which included a technical score of 50.00 and a performance score of 44.73, despite a deduction of one point. Meanwhile, Shun Sato, another promising talent from Japan, placed 5th with a score of 93.68 points, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Japanese team.
The men's short program results saw the USA leading with a total of 22 points, followed closely by France with 18 points and Japan with 17 points. The competition format requires each country's skaters to earn points based on their placements, with the highest score of 12 points awarded to the top performer and decreasing by one point for each subsequent position.
As the day progressed, fans were treated to an exhilarating atmosphere filled with cheers and support for their respective teams. The unique format of the event, which combines individual performances into a team competition, adds an exciting layer to the traditional figure skating format.
The Japanese team, which also includes notable skaters like Kaori Sakamoto and Hyo-Joo Cheon, is looking to capitalize on their home advantage as they strive for a podium finish. The roster for Japan comprises Yuma Kagiyama, Shun Sato, Kaori Sakamoto, Hyo-Joo Cheon, the pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, and the ice dance team of Misato Komatsubara and Tim Koleto.
Fans have been eagerly anticipating this event, which not only highlights individual talent but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and national pride among the skaters. The competition is designed to be an engaging spectacle, with teams competing not just for individual glory but for the honor of their countries.
As the skaters prepare for their next performances, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The free programs promise to deliver even more breathtaking routines, as each athlete aims to push their limits and secure valuable points for their teams.
Looking ahead, the competition schedule includes the men's free skate, pairs short program, and ice dance free dance on April 18, followed by the women's free skate and pairs free skate on April 19, culminating in an exhibition on April 20. The broadcast schedule features live coverage on TV Asahi and streaming on TELASA, allowing fans to catch all the action from the comfort of their homes.
As the World Team Trophy unfolds, it is clear that this event is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of figure skating, showcasing the artistry, athleticism, and competitive spirit of skaters from around the world. With each performance, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as teams vie for supremacy in this prestigious event.
