Grand Prix Cup of China 2025: Chock/Bates Start Olympic Season Grand Prix with Lead – Results
In a thrilling start to the 2025-26 figure skating Grand Prix season, the USA’s ice dance duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates showcased their undeniable chemistry and talent, ending the first day of competition at the Cup of China with a commanding lead. Skating to an electrifying medley of Lenny Kravitz hits, Chock and Bates captured the hearts (and points) in Chongqing, China, with a remarkable score of 84.44 in their rhythm dance. This performance not only sets a high bar for the Olympic season but also follows their recent run of successes.
Bates expressed their desire to present a more mature image this season: “We wanted to do something more mature and rock and roll. Inspired by Kravitz, we feel a deep connection through the music,” he shared.
In second place, fellow Americans Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik earned personal bests with an impressive score of 80.43, marking a significant step in their competitive journey. Zingas described her nerves before taking to the ice, revealing that once in their pose, their passion took over. “I was feeling like the world was looking down on me, but once I skated, I just felt free,” she stated. Their performance featured creative costumes, with Zingas ingeniously altering an old outfit shortly before the performance.
Notably, France’s Evgeniia Lopareva and Geoffrey Brissaud clinched third place with 77.62 points for their energetic Daft Punk program, emphasizing the depth of talent throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, a shocking event unfolded as Spain’s Olivia Smart and Tim Dieck unexpectedly dropped to sixth after a fall on their pattern sequence, scoring 67.37 points. Dieck commented on the challenges skaters face early in the season, reflecting on their mishap and commitment to improvement.
This year’s Grand Prix Cup of China promises to be just as dynamic as breathtaking performances unfold in the upcoming days, setting the stage for an exhilarating Olympic season.
