Japan's Yuma Kagiyama made his first appearance in two seasons in the ISU Grand Prix figure skating series Friday, placing third after the men's short program at the Grand Prix de France.
The Beijing Winter Olympics silver medalist, who did not make an international appearance last season due to left ankle pain, made a promising return at Angers Ice Parc logging 97.91 points at the series' third meet of the season.
Ilia Malinin of the United States led with 101.58, followed by Adam Siao Him Fa of France who scored 101.07.
"It felt as if I was making my (Grand Prix series) debut and I was excited heading into the short program," Kagiyama said.
The 20-year-old landed his only quad jump, a salchow that came at the start of his performance, in a flawless outing.
"I could give 100 percent doing what I had to do. I'm relieved for now," he said. "There's nothing to defend. I'll simply look to charge toward the top."
Isabeau Levito of the United States led the women's event after scoring 71.83 in the short program, with Japan's Rion Sumiyoshi fifth on 61.72 and Wakaba Higuchi sixth on 60.29.
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