With his fourth place on Thursday, Rizzo of Italy has not just put himself in contention for a European podium place, but also took a giant step towards selection for Milano Cortina 2026.
The 27-year-old is battling it out with team-mate Nikolaj Memola for the right to join Daniel Grassl at their home Olympic Winter Games, with a decision to be made based on their result in Sheffield.
And Rizzo is 10.23 points ahead of Memola, who could only place 10th on his return from a pelvis injury.
Meanwhile, there was more European heartbreak for Aymoz, who was 27th out of 29 skaters with a score of 53.95.
It follows respective results of 22nd and 31st at the last two European Championships.
“I am extremely disappointed because what I did in the six minutes (practice) was perfect,” said Aymoz, who won his first career Grand Prix gold at the 2025 Skate America in November.