Overview
- Aoki opened the Grand Prix France short program in Angers on Friday with an ISU‑recognized personal best of 76.31 points after mostly clean elements.
- Anastasia Gubanova placed second with 72.63 points and Olympic bronze medalist Ami Nakai was third with 70.66 points.
- Aoki’s opening Lutz–loop combination was slightly unsettled while her other two jumps landed cleanly and all three spins plus her step sequence were graded Level 4.
- Skaters and coaches said ISU rule changes since the Olympic season raised base values for spins and steps, which helped lift total short‑program scores this event.
- The free skate on Oct. 24 will determine final podiums and Grand Prix points, with Friday’s placements shaping each skater’s path in the series.