Olympians Shiyue Wang/Xinyu Liu (CHN) danced to a strong lead in the Rhythm Dance as the ISU Grand Prix Shiseido Cup of China opened Friday in Chongqing (CHN). Hong Chen/Zhuoming Sun (CHN) stand in second place and Wanqi Ning/Chao Wang (CHN) are currently ranked third. 
Olympians Shiyue Wang/Xinyu Liu (CHN) danced to a strong lead with fast twizzles in their 'Charlie Chaplin' routine © International Skating Union (ISU)
Wang/Liu delivered an inspiring performance of their “Charlie Chaplin” routine that was highlighted by fast twizzles, difficult steps and a rotational lift. The multiple National Champions earned a level four for the Finnstep Pattern, the twizzles and the lift while the Partial Step Sequence was rated a level three (for her) and four (for him). Wang/Liu scored 84.23 points for a confident lead.
“It was quite good considering this is our first competition after eight months,” Liu said. “We were a little nervous. Technically we have not changed that much in our program, but we felt we are more in control of the program and we know where to express more and where to adjust.”
Dancing to Swing and Foxtrot from “The Greatest Showman”, Chen/Sun impressed with intricate footwork, collecting a level four for the twizzles and a level three for the Pattern Dance and Partial Step Sequence. The ISU Four Continents Championships competitors picked up 76.57 points.
Hong Chen/Zhuoming Sun (CHN) are second after dancing to Swing and Foxtrot from 'The Greatest Showman' © International Skating Union (ISU)
“We are satisfied with today’s performance.” Sun said. “I did a little mistake in the first element (the twizzles), but the rest was good.”
Ning/Wang put out an upbeat dance to “Mary Poppins” that featured a level-four stationary lift and twizzles. However, the Finnstep garnered only a level one and the midline step sequence was a level two. The couple earned 69.07 points.
“This is also our first competition after eight months and we are really excited. We have trained rally hard coming here,” Zhao told the post-event press conference. 
Wanqi Ning/Chao Wang stand in third place after their 'Mary Poppins' routine on Day 1 © International Skating Union (ISU)
Yuzhu Gao/Pengkun Zhao are not far behind in fourth place on 65.01 points. The young team of Yufei Lin/Zijian Gao follow in fifth (56.80 points).
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ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020
- 2020 Guaranteed Rate Skate America, Las Vegas (USA) – October 22-24
- Shiseido Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN) – November 6-8
- Rostelecom Cup, Moscow (RUS) – November 20-22
- NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN) – November 27-29
- ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final – Beijing (CHN)postponed
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final that was to be held as an Olympic Test Event on December 10-13 has been postponed. The ISU, in consultation with all stakeholders and considering the pandemic developments, is evaluating the continuation of the 2020/21 season, in particular the re-scheduling possibilities for the important Olympic Test Events.
About ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series started in 1995 (previously known a s the ISU Champions Series) and consists of six invitational international senior events and the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. Due to the current situation, the usual selection criteria do not apply. Please see the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating page for further information.