Reigning world figure skating champion Kaori Sakamoto from Japan can soon be admired in Tilburg. This during the Challenge Cup, the largest figure skating event on Dutch soil, which will be held from 23 to 26 February. The event, which also includes skating for the Dutch titles, is free for everyone.
A great opportunity to see the absolute world top on the ice of the IJssportcentrum in Tilburg, next to our topper Lindsay van Zundert.
In addition to world champion Sakamoto, her compatriot Mai Mihara, the winner of the prestigious Grand Prix final, will also compete during the Challenge Cup. And the men’s tournament is also heavily occupied with Japanese Sota Yamamoto, the number 2 of the Grand Prix final, and his compatriot Shun Sato, who finished fourth in that competition.
Furthermore, the Italian Matteo Rizzo, the number 2 of the last European Championship, and the American Andrew Torgashev, among others, will be in action in Tilburg.
Qualification for the World Cup
For both national and international riders, the competition in Tilburg is the last qualification opportunity for the World Figure Skating Championships that will take place in Japan from 20 to 26 March.
The Challenge Cup was held in Tilburg for the first time last year and will take place there until 2024.
Here’s a preview of the Challenge Cup: a performance by world champion Kaori Sakamoto and her compatriot Sota Yamamoto