SEOUL, South Korea — Mikhail Shaidorov delivered an outstanding performance in the free skate event on Saturday, achieving a personal best score and making history as the first skater from Kazakhstan to clinch the Four Continents title since Denis Ten in 2015.
Competing at the same arena where Ten triumphed, Shaidorov started the competition with a commanding 12-point advantage following the short program. He maintained his momentum in the free skate, successfully executing four quadruple jumps and three triples, which brought his free skate score to 190.37 points and a total of 285.10 points overall.
Cha Jun-hwan from South Korea finished in second place with an aggregate score of 265.02 points, while Jimmy Ma from the United States secured third with 245.01 points.
At just 20 years old, Shaidorov has dedicated his success to the memory of Denis Ten, having participated in training sessions led by Ten in Kazakhstan. This victory marked his first-ever title from the International Skating Union and his inaugural medal at the Four Continents championships.
“This gold medal means a lot to me,” Shaidorov expressed. “Ten years ago, Denis Ten won Kazakhstan’s first Four Continents gold medal here in Seoul, and now I am proud to reclaim this medal for our country.” Shaidorov captivated the audience with his interpretation of “Moonlight Sonata” and “Take On Me.” He started his routine with an impressive triple axel, followed by a single Euler and a quad salchow combination that set the stage for his performance. He continued with a quad lutz and a quad toeloop, before executing another quad toe-triple toe combination later in his routine. After completing his routine, Shaidorov could not hold back his joy and dropped to the ice in celebration.
“The emotions are overwhelming,” he shared. “This victory also holds special meaning for Kazakhstan and is in tribute to Denis.” It’s worth noting that Ten tragically lost his life during a carjacking incident in Almaty in July 2018.
Cha, after being in fourth position following the short program, redeemed himself with a stellar free skate, achieving his season-best score of 185.78, which earned him the silver medal amid enthusiastic support from local fans. Cha commenced his routine with a quadruple salchow; however, he only managed a double on what was meant to be a quad toeloop— the sole significant mistake during his performance as he sought redemption after finishing fifth in the previous Four Continents held in Korea five years ago. “I set a goal for myself, and I’m really happy to have achieved it this time,” he stated.
Ma, who was in second place entering the free skate, successfully performed two quad toes but stumbled on a triple loop early in his routine and also had a minor touch on a triple axel.
“To receive this medal, especially at this moment, is an incredible honor,” Ma remarked. “My primary focus for this championship was to deliver two performances I could be truly proud of.” In the ice dance segment, defending champions Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier from Canada held on to their narrow lead from the rhythm dance to secure their second consecutive title in that event.
Gilles and Poirier finished behind Americans Madison Chock and Evan Bates in the free dance but their performance in the rhythm dance was sufficient to maintain their overall first position with a score of 218.46 points. Two-time world champions Chock and Bates finished closely in second with 217.93 points, while the bronze medal was awarded to Canadian duo Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha, who garnered 201.04 points.
