Figure skating – ISU CS Kinoshita Group Cup 2025: Miura Riku/Kihara Ryuichi off to flying start as Olympic campaign begins
Pairs world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi launched their bid for Olympic glory with a sensational performance at the Kinoshita Group Cup 2025, scoring an impressive 79.94 in the short program on Saturday, September 6. Competing in front of an animated crowd at the Kanku Ice Arena in Osaka, the dynamic Japanese duo approached their openning match with remarkable confidence and composure, barely missing their personal best.
Finishing ahead of Georgia’s spirited pair of Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava, who posted 75.32, Miura and Kihara are now firmly positioned to chase their first title of the Milano Cortina 2026 season. Their teammates, Nagaoka Yuna and Moriguchi Sumitada, rounded off the podium with a commendable third place.
Reflecting on their pre-season preparations, Miura expressed optimism: “Last season, we started off with the Lombardia Trophy, but this season, the coaches have all said we are very prepared. We’ve come into the week very confident.” Kihara chimed in, “While we weren’t at our best on a couple of elements, we didn’t let missed executions affect our performance as we did in previous years.”
As they aim for Japan’s first-ever Olympic medal in pairs, the duo has motivated themselves through tough times. Kihara referenced previous injuries and highlighted their renewed perspective: “We realized that our results can stabilize our emotions. Even if one competition goes awry, it doesn’t define our growth.”
In the ice dance rhythm dance competition, Canada’s Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain le Gac displayed exceptional talent, edging out American pair Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik for the top spot with a score of 76.40, followed closely by their rivals at 76.24. Leah Neset and Artem Markelov of the USA secured third place with a score of 68.77.
This competition sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season ahead as skaters prepare for the challenges that lie between them and Olympic aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates as athletes from around the globe compete for honor and glory on the ice!
