Overview
- Malinin posted 108.16 with a clean quad flip and quad lutz–triple toe to top the men’s short program in Milan.
- Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama sits second at 103.07 after a mistake on his triple axel, with France’s Adam Siao Him Fa third at 102.55.
- The free skate is scheduled for Friday, when the final standings will be decided with Malinin skating last.
- Malinin said he will only attempt the quadruple Axel if conditions and his confidence align, stressing health and safety.
- Showmanship shared the spotlight as Malinin’s backflip drew cheers but no points, while Maxim Naumov qualified with a season-best 85.65 and Spain’s Tomas‑Llorenc Guarino Sabate missed the cut in 25th after a resolved music dispute.