Break-out star Adam Siao Him Fa tops men's short programme at European Championships in Espoo

BySportsbeat

Updated 25/01/2023 at 23:34 GMT

Adam Siao Him Fa is top of the men's individual standings after an impressive performance in the short programme, whilst 2022 silver medallist Daniel Grassl is back in eighth ahead of the free skate on Friday. Frenchman Siao Him Fa starred while skating to 'Rain, In Your Black Eyes' by Ezio Bosso. Stream the 2022-23 winter sports season on discovery+.

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In arguably the most open event at the 2023 European Figure Skating Championships, Adam Siao Him Fa took top spot in men's short programme in Espoo.

The Frenchman leapt to the top of the scoreboard with a stunning performance to 'Rain, In Your Black Eyes' by Ezio Bosso, grabbing an impressive 96.53 points.

His technical element score of 52.75 was a staggering 8.09 points ahead of second-placed Matteo Rizzo of Italy, who skated a new season's best with a score of 86.46.

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Siao Him Fa won the French Grand Prix in November 2022, the 21-year-old's first ISU Grand Prix victory in his breakthrough season.

Latvia's Deniss Vasiljevs, who took bronze at the MK John Trophy in England last year, is in third place heading into the men's free skate on Friday.

2022 European silver medallist Daniel Grassl finished back in eighth after the short programme in Finland.

Adam Siao Him Fa of France competes in the Men's Short Program during the ISU European Figure Skating Championships at Espoo Metro Areena on January 25, 2023 in Espoo, Finland

Image credit: Getty Images

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