In a thrilling comeback, China's figure skating icons Sui Wenjing and Han Cong claimed bronze at the Cup of China, marking their return to the sport after a three-year hiatus. The Olympic champions' performance was a testament to their enduring talent, despite a few technical hiccups.
But here's where it gets interesting: the pair's long program, set to the music of a Chinese dance drama, showcased their artistry, earning them a solid 130.47 points. Yet, they fell short of their personal best, leaving room for improvement. Han's decision to come out of retirement for the 2026 Olympics adds a layer of intrigue to their journey.
The competition saw Georgia's Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava take gold, with Italy's Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii in second. China's rising stars Zhang Jiaxuan and Huang Yihang narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in their senior Grand Prix debut.
Controversy struck as local favorite Jin Boyang, a two-time Olympian, struggled with his jumps, settling for fifth place. Japan's Shun Sato shone with a flawless performance, securing the men's title, while American Amber Glenn defended her women's title.
The ice dance event saw Madison Chock and Evan Bates reign supreme, claiming their eighth Grand Prix title. The Chinese pairs, however, faced challenges, finishing at the bottom of the standings, with Wang Shiyue and Liu Xinyu expressing relief at the reduced pressure compared to their Olympic qualifier.
And this is where opinions might differ: was Han and Sui's bronze medal a triumph or a missed opportunity? Did the pressure of a potential 2026 Olympic campaign affect their performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
