France's Kevin Aymoz snatched the men's title at Skate America on Saturday, winning his first grand prix title with a battling free skate as short program leader Kazuki Tomono faltered.

It was an emotional triumph for Aymoz, who made his grand prix level debut in 2017, with seven prior podium finishes but no gold.

He had struggled with a painful foot injury since a disappointing 10th-place finish at Skate Canada in October.

"It was so difficult," said the 28-year-old. "After Skate Canada I wanted to give up so much and today I'm here and it's so beautiful to be with my friends competing ... it's so beautiful."

Aymoz scored 159.97 points for a rousing free skate to Ravel's Bolero that delighted the crowd in Lake Placid, New York.

He won with a total of 253.53 points.

He had to fight t

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