Figure skating – ISU CS Kinoshita Group Cup 2025: Miura/Kihara sail to first title of Olympic season
In a spectacular showcase of talent and determination, the reigning world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi clinched their first title of the Olympic season at the Kinoshita Group Cup 2025 in Osaka, held on September 7th. Displaying skill and poise befitting their status, the Japanese pair soared to impressive heights as they prepare for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
Despite some hiccups during their performance, including a missed triple Salchow and a challenging triple loop throw, Miura/Kihara achieved a score of 143.00 in their free skate, culminating in an overall total of 222.94—just shy of their personal best of 226.09. They skated to the stirring piece “Strength and Honour” from the acclaimed film “Gladiator,” overtaking their nearest rivals, Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, by a solid ten points.
“I haven’t seen the results sheet yet, but even with a fall and a mistake on the Salchow, we still hit 143, which shows how far we’ve come,” reflected Miura. “With perfect execution, I believe 145 is achievable, and that’s our target moving forward.” The duo’s training over the summer has evidently paid dividends, setting a strong foundation as they aim to improve.
The competition also revealed the emerging strength of another Japanese pair, Nagaoka Yuna and Moriguchi Sumitada, who completed the podium to reinforce Japan’s dominance in figure skating.
Meanwhile, Kinoshita Group Cup provided additional excitement on the ice, with Canada’s Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain le Gac emerging triumphant in the ice dance category. They held onto their overnight lead to secure victory with a total score of 197.90.
As the Grand Prix Series looms, anticipation builds for Miura/Kihara’s upcoming performances at the Grand Prix de France and Skate America. As they continue to refine their craft, the figure skating world watches closely, hopeful for a historic chapter as Japan aims for its first Olympic medal in pairs.
