Madison Chock and Evan Bates, Alysa Liu Lead on Opening Day of Cup of China
World champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates have made an impactful start at the 2025 Cup of China in Chongqing, leading both the ice dance and women’s events after the first day of competition. Taking place on Friday, October 24, the event showcases top figure skating talent from around the globe.
Chock and Bates, on a quest for their 21st Grand Prix medal, debuted their rhythm dance to a lively Lenny Kravitz medley, scoring an impressive 84.44 points, the highest score worldwide this season. The three-time reigning World champions distinguished themselves with Level 4 sequential twizzles and a rotational lift, securing their top position with a significant components score of 37.25.
“It was a lot of fun, honestly,” said Chock, reflecting on their performance. “It felt really joyful, and I’m glad we were able to tap into that.” The emotional connection to their routine translated into a confident performance.
Emilia Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik are currently in second place with a personal best score of 80.43 points. Their performance, accompanied by music from Bell Biv Devoe, demonstrated finesse with Level 4 twizzles, showcasing the resilience of new competitors aiming for a podium finish.
Alysa Liu captured attention with her poignant skate to “Promise” by Laufey, leading the women’s event with a score of 78.60. Her high-scoring combination, a triple Lutz-triple loop, earned her the highest individual score of the competition at 12.47 points.
In her own words, Liu remarked, “This program is really meaningful to me.” As she awaits potential success tomorrow, her enthusiasm fuels her ambition for her first Grand Prix medal.
Amber Glenn, placing third, managed a solid performance but admitted the competition intensity. “The travel is always hard, and at my age, it gets challenging,” said Glenn, who is aiming to defend her Cup of China title.
The pairs event saw Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman score an established 69.18 points in their season series, marking significant growth despite their recent competition experiences.
As we gear up for tomorrow’s free dance and long program segments, Chock, Bates, Liu, and others will aim to elevate their standings further, promising thrilling moments on the ice. The excitement remains palpable at this prestigious event, where every competitor leaves it all on the line.
