"Denis Ten Memorial Challenge 2024" Brings Together the World’s Best Figure Skaters, DKnews.kz reports.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
The 5th Anniversary International Figure Skating Tournament "Denis Ten Memorial Challenge 2024" concluded in Astana, gathering not only outstanding skaters from around the world but also young talents aspiring to conquer the ice.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
Three days of thrilling performances, emotional moments, and an unforgettable gala show made this event a true celebration of figure skating, attracting the attention of both professionals and the general public.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
The performances were evaluated by qualified international judges with extensive experience in the field. Special attention was given to both the technical level and artistry of the performances.
Among the distinguished guests of the tournament were the presidents of figure skating federations from Georgia, Armenia, Italy, and Canada, highlighting the event's international significance and its contribution to the development of figure skating.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
Oksana Ten, the Director of the "Denis Ten Foundation," noted that the tournament is becoming increasingly popular on the international stage each year. This year, athletes from the USA, Canada, Italy, and South Africa participated, indicating growing interest in the event.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
"This year, we have participants from 28 countries — a significant figure for figure skating, comparable to major competitions. The tournament is important for preparing athletes for world championships and other international tournaments. Here, skaters can earn points for the world ranking and improve their positions in qualifying competitions" Oksana Ten
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
The results of the competitions among juniors were as follows:
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Girls:
- 1st place: Vasilisa Bogomolova (Cyprus)
- 2nd place: Veronika Kim (Kazakhstan)
- 3rd place: Anna Sannikova (Kazakhstan)
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Boys:
- 1st place: Nikita Krivosheev (Kazakhstan)
- 2nd place: Artur Smagulov (Kazakhstan)
- 3rd place: Temirlan Yakiyaev (Kazakhstan)
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
In the women's singles category, Anastasiia Gubanova from Georgia took first place, Sofia Samodelkina from Kazakhstan came in second, and Lara Naki Gutmann from Italy claimed third.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
In the men's category, Mikhail Shaidorov from Kazakhstan emerged as the winner, with Vladimir Litvintsev from Azerbaijan taking second, and Nika Egadze from Georgia finishing third.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
The Czech ice dancers Natalie Taschlerova and her brother Filip Taschler won the ice dance competition. The pair from the USA, Una Brown and Gage Brown, placed second, while Alicia Fabbri and Paul Ayer from Canada took third.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
The grand finale of the anniversary tournament was a spectacular gala show featuring the stars of world figure skating:
- Evgenia Medvedeva – two-time World Champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist, and legendary figure skater from Russia.
- Anastasiia Gubanova – 2023 European Champion representing Georgia.
- Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov – 2022 Olympic silver medalists, three-time European champions.
- Marie-Pierre Leray – three-time vice-champion and bronze medalist of France, participant in international tournaments.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
The tournament was organized by the public foundation "Denis Ten Foundation," with the main sponsor being the Tourism and Sports Industry Support Fund "Sport Qory." The event was also supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of the city of Astana.
@Tatiana Flade/Pirouette
The annual "Denis Ten Memorial Challenge" not only honors the memory of the legendary figure skater but has also become a powerful platform for experience exchange among athletes from around the world, strengthening traditions and continuing the development of figure skating on the international stage.
