The ISU Grand Prix Cup of China kicked off in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality with a flourish as Olympic champions Sui Wenjing and Han Cong returned to the ice after three years away. Skating to the dramatic Habanera aria from Bizet's Carmen, the pair scored 72.45 points in the short program, landing in third place behind Georgia's Anastasiia Metelkina & Luka Berulava (77.77) and Italy's Sara Conti & Niccolo Macii (73.41).
"We had no more than a month to get together and prepare for the new program," Sui admitted after a fall on their opening triple toe loop led to a one-point deduction. Despite the setback, their presentation score of 8.57 kept them near the top until the final two pairs took the ice.
Han added, "Back to the rink after three years away, we love figure skating and are both honored to represent the country." Looking ahead, Sui said, "Next well focus on tuning up to competition rhythm and learning to keep a cool head."
Mens Short Program Highlights
Japans Shun Sato soared to a season-best 94.13 points, nailing a quad Lutz, a quad toe loop-triple toe combination, and a triple Axel. Italys Daniel Grassl (90.42) and Kazakhstans Mikhail Shaidorov (88.33) rounded out the podium. Local favorite Jin Boyang landed fifth with 86.62 points, while compatriots Peng Zhiming and Dai Dawei sat 10th and 12th.
Womens Short Program Standouts
Reigning world champion Alysa Liu of the United States topped the leaderboard with 74.61 points, landing a triple flip, double Axel, and a triple Lutz-triple loop combo. Japans Rinka Watanabe impressed with a triple Axel and the nights highest elements score (41.56), finishing just 0.60 behind Liu. Defending champion Amber Glenn took third (73.04). Chinas Zhu Yi placed eighth (63.39) and teenager Zhang Ruiyang was 10th (61.71).
Ice Dancing Rhythm Dance
Three-time world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States led the ice dancing rhythm dance with 84.44 points, outpacing fellow Americans Emilea Zingas & Vadym Kolesnik by four points. Home pairs Wang Shiyue & Liu Xinyu (62.68), Ren Junfei & Xing Jianing, and Xiao Zixi & He Linghao held the bottom three spots among ten teams.
With high stakes and Olympic dreams on the line, athletes and fans alike are buzzing over this Grand Prix opener. Stay tuned as the competition heats up over the weekend!
Reference(s):
Olympic champions Sui & Han shine at Cup of China in comeback show
cgtn.com
