 Complete the following phrase:  In the 199596 season, he began appearing in the newly created ISU Champions Series later known as the Grand Prix series and won his second consecutive German national title. He was sent to the 1996 European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, but withdrew after placing first in his qualifying group. At the 1996 World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, he ranked fourth in his qualifying group, 11th in the short program, eighth in the free skate, and eighth overall. The following season, he finished sixth at the 