The 2025 ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier witnessed an electrifying showdown on Saturday, 20 September, as the People’s Republic of China celebrated an exceptional performance atop the pair skating rankings. This Olympic qualifier marked a significant moment for competitors determined to secure their spot at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
Leading the charge were Zhang Jiaxuan and Huang Yihang, who showcased their talents with confidence and artistry, finishing the free skate with a total score of 191.52 points. The Chinese pair maintained a strong lead from the outset, pulling ahead by 2.4 points after the short program and widening that margin to 4.68 points by the conclusion of their free skate performance, where they mesmerized the audience with a routine set to Coldplay’s poignant track, “O”. Although they faced challenges with points deductions from a troublesome opening jump and a fall on a triple Salchow, their overall execution affirmed their dominance.
Securing the second position were Armenia’s Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin, who delivered a stellar performance under the emotive theme of “Slumdog Millionaire”. Their score of 122.99 points catapulted them from third to finish with a total of 186.84 points. An emotional Akopova was seen moved to tears, embodying the passion and stakes involved in their performance.
The drama unfolded as Japan’s Nagaoka Yuna and Moriguchi Sumitada fought valiantly for their Olympic qualification. Initially relegated to fourth place and witnessing their Australian competitors falter, the duo held their breath as they Redemption awaited, culminating in an emotional performance that earned them third place with 178.66 points.
As the ISU Skate to Milano showcased the heart and spirit of professional figure skating, fans eagerly anticipate future events leading up to the Winter Olympics. Additional details regarding schedule and updates will follow in the upcoming weeks as countries gear up for the Olympic stage.
