Figure skating – Skate America 2025: Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi rally for pairs triumph, qualifying for Grand Prix Final
In an exhilarating showdown at Skate America 2025 held in Lake Placid, New York, the formidable duo of Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi displayed their championship grit, clinching their second Grand Prix victory of the season. This win firmly asserts their reputation as two-time world champions and earns them a coveted spot in the upcoming Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan.
With a total score of 215.99, Miura and Kihara surged ahead after a rallying performance, despite an uneven routine characterized by difficulties in their side-by-side jumping combinations during their Gladiator free skate. Their main rivals, Georgia’s Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, initially led after the short program but faltered dramatically during their free skate, finishing with an overall score of 195.73 to capture the silver medal.
The performance of Metelkina and Berulava, once again, showcased the unpredictable nature of elite competition; having fallen on their side-by-side triple Salchow, they struggled to keep momentum and even abandoned a pivotal lift attempt. Their inconsistency cost them as they finished in fourth place in the free skate.
Rounding out the podium, Canada’s Kelly Ann Laurin and Lucas Ethier delivered a commendable performance, earning bronze with a total score of 182.87. As the event unfolds and momentum builds ahead of the Olympic season, fans are left wondering how these results will impact upcoming competitions.
In addition to Miura and Kihara’s victory, anticipation swirls as discussions continue surrounding Jason Brown’s re-imagined ‘Riverdance’ program, which serves as a heartfelt tribute to his fans. With dynamic performances and thrilling storylines emerging, the figures skating landscape is set for an unforgettable season.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we watch these remarkable athletes navigate their Olympic journey.
