The key facts

  • Trusova scored 221.27 points in the combined total of two programs and finished second, landing a quadruple lutz in the free program.
  • The Grand Prix stage in China was won by Mone Chiba of Japan (224.48 points).
  • Rodnina stated that there is no need to look for a “conspiracy theory” in the scores.

Rodnina on judging at the Grand Prix stage in China

2022 Olympic silver medalist Alexandra Trusova received honest scores at the Grand Prix stage in China — this was stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by State Duma deputy and Olympic champion Irina Rodnina. According to her, accusations of bias by the judges toward Trusova are unfounded.

“There is no need to look for a conspiracy theory everywhere”

“Scores in figure skating are always a debatable matter, but there is no need to look for a conspiracy theory everywhere. Trusova has never been a skater strong on components, so it is strange to expect her to beat the Japanese on the second score,” Gazeta.Ru quotes Rodnina as saying.

Tournament results

In the combined total of two programs, Trusova scored 221.27 points, landing a quadruple lutz in the free program. The winner of the stage was Japan's Mone Chiba (224.48), third place went to Lee Hae-in of South Korea (210.79), and fourth to Anastasia Gubanova of Georgia (208.58).

Context of Russian athletes' admission

The Grand Prix stage in China is taking place against the backdrop of Russian athletes returning to international competitions: On June 30, the International Skating Union (ISU) announced the admission of Russians to tournaments under its auspices from the 2026/27 season in a neutral status — both in individual and team disciplines of figure skating, short track, and speed skating. Trusova's performance became one of the notable examples of such participation; it was previously reported that she had flown to the United States.