Grand Prix Cup of China 2025: Metelkina and Berulava secure Cup of China pairs win; Sui and Han return to the podium
Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava clinched gold in the pairs free skate at the 2025 Cup of China, held in picturesque Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, on Saturday, 25 October. This remarkable performance to Jonathan Roy’s hit, “Keeping Me Alive,” earned them their second Grand Prix victory, underscoring their rising trajectory in the figure skating world.
The Georgian duo delivered a captivating routine that scored 139.47 points, narrowly edging Italian pair Sara Conti and Niccolò Macii, who received 136.47 points for their elegant performance to “Caruso.” These athletes, the reigning European silver and world bronze medalists, have opened their Grand Prix season strong, setting the stage for their aspirations as they approach the upcoming Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
But the spotlight of the evening shone bright on the Olympic champions, Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, who marked a triumphant return to competitive ice after an almost four-year hiatus. Their emotional skate, connected to music from a renowned Chinese dance-poetry drama, delighted the home crowd, ultimately leading them to a bronze medal with 130.47 points. Despite minor mishaps during the performance, their synergy and palpable connection won over the audience, who erupted in resounding applause.
“It was so great to skate here; the audience was amazing, and we are so glad to be back,” exclaimed an animated Anastasiia Metelkina, with Luka Berulava catching his breath beside her.
The 2025 Cup of China highlighted the intricate storytelling and athletic prowess inherent in professional figure skating. As viewers gear up for the Olympic season, all eyes will be on these skilled pairs competing in this dynamic sport.
Final Standings — Pairs Category:
1. Anastasiia Metelkina / Luka Berulava (GEO) – 217.24 points (139.47)
2. Sara Conti / Niccolò Macii (ITA) – 209.88 points (136.47)
3. Wenjing Sui / Cong Han (CHN) – 202.92 points (130.47)
4. Jiaxuan Zhang / Yihang Huang (CHN) – 195.41 points (126.45)
5. Rebecca Ghilardi / Filippo Ambrosini (ITA) – 186.85 points (122.25)
6. Annika Hocke / Robert Kunkel (GER) – 183.74 points (118.52)
7. Katie McBeath / Daniil Parkman (USA) – 181.70 points (112.52)
8. Lucrezia Beccari / Matteo Guarise (ITA) – Did not finish
Stay tuned for more thrilling moments in professional figure skating as athletes prepare for the next stages leading toward the Olympic Games.
