Grand Prix de France 2025: Miura/Kihara win pairs event by massive 21.49-point margin as Stellato-Dudek/Deschamps struggle to regroup after early mistake
In a stunning display at the Grand Prix de France 2025, Japan’s Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi shined brightly as they clinched victory in the pairs skating competition held on Saturday, October 18. The reigning world champions captivated the audience with their artistry and precision, finishing strong with a remarkable score of 219.15 points overall, leading the pack by an impressive 21.49 points.
The Canadian duo of Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps faced a challenging moment early on. After a well-executed short program that had them competitive with the leaders, an uncharacteristic misstep during their opening twist lift derailed their momentum. Their struggles were evident as they awaited their score in the kiss-and-cry area, ultimately achieving a tally of 197.66 points, enough to secure second place.
Hungary’s Maria Pavlova and Alexei Sviatchenko also showcased skill and determination. Building on their personal best from the short program, they earned 192.76 points overall, rounding out the podium with a solid third-place finish.
The evening featured intense performances from various teams, but Miura and Kihara’s commanding lead underlined their elite status in the sport. Other notable performances included the American teams of Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman, who finished fourth with 178.08 points, along with Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy, securing a robust fifth place with 173.30 points.
With remarkable talent on display throughout the event, the Grand Prix de France continues to serve as a crucial platform leading up to the world championships. As fans await the next rounds, all eyes will be on Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps to see how they will rebound from this setback.
Stay tuned for more updates and results as we move forward in the exciting world of professional figure skating.
