ISU Grand Prix Final 2025: Riku/Kihara hold off tough competition from Germany and Italy to reclaim Grand Prix Final title
In an exhilarating finale at the 2025 Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan, Japanese figure skating duo Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi climbed back to their rightful place atop the podium, securing the title they last claimed in 2022. Encountering fierce competition, they delivered an impressive performance that showcased both finesse and resilience.
The pair fifished with a total score of 225.21 points, despite finishing second in their free skate with 147.89 points. Their remarkable short program had set the stage, providing the momentum needed to maintain their lead against a competitive field. Germany’s defending champions, Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, surged forward with a dazzling free skate, scoring 149.57 points to finish third overall with 221.25 points, jumping from fifth place.
Meanwhile, Italian team Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii had their share of glory, securing second place with a final score of 223.28 points following their free skate of 146.06 points. The excitement continued to build as competitors displayed incredible skills, captivating the audience throughout the event.
The standings at the end of the competition read:
1. Miura Riku / Kihara Ryuichi (JPN) – 225.21 (147.89)
2. Sara Conti / Niccolo Macii (ITA) – 223.28 (146.06)
3. Minerva Fabienne Hase / Nikita Volodin (GER) – 221.25 (149.57)
4. Anastasiia Metelkina / Luka Berulava (GEO) – 211.53 (136.49)
5. Maria Pavlova / Alexei Sviatchenko (HUN) – 208.33 (135.49)
6. Deanna Stellato-Dudek / Maxime Deschamps (CAN) – 194.36 (123.29)
This year’s finale marks a triumphant return to form for Riku and Kihara as they look to build on this success in future competitions. The Grand Prix series continues to highlight the beauty and athleticism of figure skating, and fans are eagerly anticipating what comes next!
