Across three consecutive stages of the Russian Figure Skating Grand Prix, no skater opted to perform ultra-C elements in the free programs at the Volga Pirouette Grand Prix. The trend set the tone for the series, as athletes focused on solid program components rather than high-difficulty jumps that could increase risk on the ice.
During the free skate at the fifth stage of the competition, two competitors attempted ultra-C elements but each faced setbacks. Daria Sadkova fell on a underloaded quad sheepskin combination, and Angelina Palagina tumbled on the triple Axel after losing balance. In the absence of ultra-C elements, both skaters and others in the field completed the event with clean execution of their baseline elements, maintaining a steady rhythm through three consecutive stages of the national Grand Prix series.
The victory at the Samara stage of the Grand Prix was claimed by Ksenia Sinitsyna, who earned 216.08 points. She finished more than five points ahead of her closest rival, Daria Sadkova, a skater associated with the renowned coach Eteri Tutberidze’s program group.
Ksenia Gushchina secured the bronze medal with a total of 197.92 points. In fourth place was Lyudmila Fursova, who surpassed the 184-point mark, while Maya Khromykh, another pupil of Eteri Tutberidze, completed the top five with 182.7 points.
Observers noted the broadcast potential for the fifth stage of the Russian Grand Prix as the series continued to attract attention from fans and analysts alike, with live commentary and insights into program choices and strategy on offer for viewers following the event.
Earlier in the season, Russian figure skater Pyotr Gumennik established a national record, reflecting the depth of talent competing in the series and signaling strong momentum heading into subsequent stages of the Grand Prix calendar.