Ilia Malinin Leads World Championships with Record-Setting Short Program

The defending champion dazzled with a 110.41-point performance, solidifying his dominance ahead of Saturday's free skate final.

Ilia Malinin, the only skater to land a quadruple axel in competition, delivered a historic short program at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston, earning 110.41 points.
Malinin's performance, which received a standing ovation, ranks as the fourth-highest short program score in world championship history.
The 20-year-old American leads the men's competition, ahead of Japan's Yuma Kagiyama (107.09 points) and Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shadorov (94.77 points).
Malinin's innovative routines include groundbreaking elements like a legalized backflip and a self-created 'raspberry twist,' showcasing his technical and artistic prowess.
The free skate final on Saturday will determine the men's title, with Malinin aiming to defend his world championship and extend his undefeated streak since November 2023.