Chock and Bates Secure Cup of China Ice Dance Title Opening Olympic Season

Madison Chock and Evan Bates, three-time reigning world champions, began their 2025 Olympic season by winning the Cup of China ice dance title with a total score of 208.25, leading a U.S. one-two finish. Despite a fall in their free dance, they delivered a strong performance to "Paint It Black," with Bates expressing excitement for their program's growth and the season ahead, including Skate America. Meanwhile, France's Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry signaled a major new challenge by scoring 211.02 in their international debut, potentially setting up a rivalry with Chock and Bates at the Grand Prix Final. In the women's competition, Alysa Liu overcame early boot problems to lead the Grand Prix opener with a 74.61 score, showcasing a clean triple Lutz-triple loop combination and aiming to qualify for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Liu's comeback from retirement and world championship win in 2024-25 highlights her as a top contender, while the Grand Prix series remains a critical test for Olympic hopefuls. This season marks an important chapter for these athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games.