Hanyu breaks overall world record to earn third straight men's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final title

Yuzuru Hanyu earned his third straight Grand Prix Final title ©Getty Images

Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu broke the overall world record score for the men’s individual competition to win his third straight International Skating Union (ISU) Figure Skating Grand Prix Final title in Barcelona.

The reigning Olympic champion had built a substantial lead after a world record score of 110.95 in the short programme on Thursday (December 10), with the tally offering up the possibility of breaking his overall record of 322.40, which he set to win the NHK Trophy in Nagano.

He maintained his superb form by producing a stunning free skate routine in front of a packed crowd, with the judges rewarding him with another world record score of 219.48 to take his overall tally to 330.43.

It ensured he retained his title and he also remains as the only man to have broken the 300 point barrier as Spain’s Javier Fernandez, despite producing the second highest free skate score in history with 201.43, would end the competition on 292.95.

The home favourite was therefore left to settle for silver behind Hanyu for a second successive year, while Japan’s Shoma Uno completed the podium positions having finished on 276.79.

Meanwhile in the ladies’ singles competition, world junior champion Evgenia Medvedeva built on her short programme lead to claim gold.

The 16-year-old Russian, who won the Junior Grand Prix Final in 2014, scored a total of 147.96 points for her free skate to complete her first appearance in the senior event with an overall score of 222.54.

Japan’s Satoko Miyahara, who had begun the day in fourth position, produced a superb skate to move up to secure the silver medal but finished some way adrift of the winner on 208.85 points.

Russia's Evgenia Medvedeva earned the ladies title after a fine free skate performance ©Getty Images

Elena Radionova completed the podium after the Russian finished 1.32 points ahead of the United States’ Ashley Wagner, who missed out on the medals in fourth.

Overnight leaders Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Canada were able to successfully defend their ice dance title after scoring 53.63 in their free dance, moving them onto a final total of 182.66.

The duo, who won at both Skate Canada and the Rostelecom Cup this season, finished 5.11 points clear of America’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates who secured silver.

Italy’s Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte were forced to settle for bronze on 176.37 points.