Madison Chock and Evan Bates breezed to the Cup of China 2025 ice dance title with a free dance of 123.81 for a 208.25 total on Saturday (25 October).
In Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, the three-time world champions launched their figure skating Grand Prix campaign in style by holding off US compatriots Emilea Zingas/Vadym Kolesnik, who were runners-up in both programs to finish on 202.27 (121.81).
France’s Evgeniia Lopareva/Geoffrey Brissaud filled out the podium with a 196.60 (118.98).
Skating to the tune “Paint It Black”, Chock/Bates were well off their personal best by 24 points after being hit on their opening choreo assisted jump, but still managed to lift the Cup of China for their first time.
They are next assigned at home to the 14-16 November Skate America in Lake Placid, New York.
“We had a great time skating today, the crowd was amazing,” Chock told Golden Skate. “It felt really good to perform our flamenco for the first time here in Chongqing.
“We feel like this was a great start to our season and we’re excited to get back home and bring more work before Skate America.”
