Alysa Liu Leads the Grand Prix Cup of China With a Flawless Short Program
The 2025 Grand Prix Cup of China opened with thrilling performances as world champion Alysa Liu took a narrow lead in the women’s short program. Competing against some of the world’s top figure skaters, Liu delivered a technically precise and emotionally captivating routine that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
A Confident Start for the Reigning Champion
Alysa Liu, the 19-year-old American figure skater and reigning world champion, showed why she continues to be a dominant force in women’s figure skating. Her short program, set to a graceful piano arrangement, combined artistry with athletic excellence.
Liu’s routine featured a flawless triple Axel, a triple Lutz–triple toe loop combination, and elegant spins that drew strong applause from the crowd in Chongqing, China. Judges rewarded her performance with a score of 76.85, placing her narrowly ahead of Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, who earned 76.22.
“It feels amazing to skate clean again,” Liu said in her post-performance interview. “The competition is really strong this year, so I’m just focusing on staying calm and consistent.”
Kaori Sakamoto and Loena Hendrickx Close Behind
While Alysa Liu leads after the short program, the margin remains tight. Kaori Sakamoto, known for her power and speed, delivered a strong program filled with dynamic jumps and expressive choreography. Her energetic performance to “Freedom” by Beyoncé earned high marks for interpretation and skating skills.
Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx, the 2024 Grand Prix Final silver medalist, sits in third place after earning 75.98 points. Her elegant skating and clean technical execution make her a serious contender heading into the free skate.
With less than a point separating the top three, the upcoming free skate promises to be one of the most competitive showdowns of the Grand Prix season.
A Return to China and Packed Arenas
The 2025 Cup of China marks the event’s return to Chongqing after a one-year break. The arena was filled with enthusiastic fans waving flags and cheering for skaters from around the world.
Event organizers noted record attendance and strong television viewership, reflecting the growing popularity of figure skating in Asia. The competition, part of the ISU Grand Prix series, plays a crucial role in determining who qualifies for the 2025 Grand Prix Final later this year in Turin, Italy.
Alysa Liu’s Journey and Consistency
Since winning the world title in 2023, Alysa Liu has focused on refining her artistry and maturity on the ice. Her transition from a technically driven skater to a complete performer has earned praise from both coaches and judges.
Her coach, Massimo Scali, praised her discipline and focus:
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“Alysa has been working hard on finding balance between technical power and emotional depth. She’s growing not just as an athlete but as a true artist.”
Fans on social media praised Liu’s elegant performance, calling it “poetic,” “powerful,” and “champion-worthy.”
What’s Next
The competition now heads into the free skate segment, where the final standings will be decided. With just fractions of a point separating Liu, Sakamoto, and Hendrickx, every element and spin will matter.
If Alysa Liu maintains her composure and consistency, she could secure her second consecutive Grand Prix title of the season — a strong indicator of her readiness for the upcoming World Championships.