Grand Prix Cup of China 2025 Figure Skating: Metelkina/Berulava Lead Pairs Short, While Olympic Champions Sui/Han Make Comeback
The excitement is palpable at the 2025 Grand Prix Cup of China as the pair of Anastasia Metelkina and Luka Berulava captivated the audience with their stunning performance to the passionate rhythms of “Bolero.” Competing in Chongqing on October 24, this Georgian duo scored a personal best of 77.77 points, setting the bar high for their rivals in the competition.
Fresh off their recent win at the home Challenger Series Triieli Trophy, the team showcased a blend of skill and artistry, demonstrating why they are contenders for their second Grand Prix victory. Metelkina and Berulava’s impressive routine clearly resonated with both the judges and the audience, positioning them firmly in first place.
Meanwhile, Italy’s dynamic pair, Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii, secured second place with a commendable score of 73.41 points. Skating to the engaging compositions of “The Wild Bull” and “Concerto de Espana,” they brought their own Spanish flair to the ice, captivating fans and judges alike.
In a thrilling return to competition, Olympic champions Sui Wenjing and Han Cong of China produced an emotional performance despite facing challenges. They found themselves in third place with a score of 72.45 points, after a fall on their opening triple toe loop. Nevertheless, their ability to recover and deliver strong later elements, except for a setbacks in the death spiral, showcased their resilience.
“It was really hard to get all the elements back,” Cong remarked, reflecting the emotional journey of returning to the ice after their Tokyo Olympic triumph. “We try to skate with our hearts, and the energy from the audience fuels us to press on.”
The road to glory continues as the competition heats up. Fans and followers eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from pairs looking to make history at this prestigious event in figure skating.
