Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (CAN) win the Ice Dance at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing, China © ISU
Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier (CAN) came from second place to capture their second ISU Grand Prix gold medal of the season as the Ice Dance event concluded at the Cup of China Saturday in Chongqing (CHN) with the Free Dance. Gilles/Poirier and silver medalists Marjorie Lajoie/Zachary Lagha (CAN) qualified for the ISU Grand Prix Final. The Cup of China is the fourth of six events of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series where the best Figure Skaters of the World compete and collect points towards the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN) on December 7-10.
Gilles/Poirier (CAN) reflect and rebound
Canada’s Piper Gilles/Paul Poirier came back from their disappointment in the Rhythm Dance to earn their second gold medal on the ISU Grand Prix circuit this season, overtaking overnight leaders Majorie Lajoie/Zachary Lagha, also of Canada. The bronze medal went to Caroline Green/Michael Parsons (USA).
Gilles/Poirier turned in a captivating and original performance to the “Wuthering Heights” soundtrack, filled with intricate footwork, innovative transitions and lifts. Their lifts and dance spin, as well as his twizzles, merited a level four. The two-time ISU World bronze medalists scored 126.79 points and totaled 207.83 points to move up from second place.
“We are really proud of what we accomplished today,” said Poirier. “It is always hard to come back after a not so strong performance and put it behind you, just clear your mind and allow yourself to skate like you know how to do.
“We were able to channel that energy today and really get ourselves lost in the performance. I'm proud of how we handled this week. More than anything we really enjoyed skating here for all of the skating fans in China.
“We are looking forward to coming back in a few weeks for the Grand Prix Final and perform for them again.”
Overnight leaders Lajoie/Lagha skated last and gave an excellent performance of their program to “Roses” by Quebecois artist Jean-Michel Blais.
Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha (CAN) in the Ice Dance at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing, China © ISU
The Skate America silver medalists collected a level four for the lifts and spin plus his part of the twizzles and a level three for the diagonal footwork. The Canadians set a new personal best with 124.00 points and accumulated 206.02 points to win their second silver medal on the ISU Grand Prix this season.
“It was real fight and I'm very proud of how we fought the program. Skating last was very stressful for us with the long wait,” Lajoie said.
“We are very happy to go to the Grand Prix Final. It was a struggle at the beginning of the season, as I had a few injuries. But we handled it like professionals and came ready for the Grand Prix,” Lagha added.
Dancing to “Denmark” and “Wind and Snow”, Green/Parsons executed smooth elements, collecting a level four for the lifts and the dance spin. The 2022 ISU Four Continents Champions achieved a new season’s best with 113.26 points for a total score of 189.33 points.
Caroline Green and Michael Parsons (USA) in the Ice Dance at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of China in Chongqing, China © ISU
“It is possible to have a frustrating, yet fulfilling, program; that would describe today's skate for us pretty well,” Parsons said. “We're both very happy with the changes that we've made since Skate America, and we fought through most of the program very well.
“We made a lot of progress in our elements and left a lot of points on the table. So we have a lot to improve on, but we're very happy with what we did today.”
Eva Pate/Logan Bye (USA) came fifth with an energetic performance to “Polovtsian Dances” on 184.58 points. Loicia Demougeot/Theo Le Mercier (FRA) pulled up to fifth at 180.10 points while Emily Bratti/Ian Somerville slipped to sixth place (179.39 points).
Gilles/Poirier and Lajoie/Lagha qualified for the ISU Grand Prix Final with two first places (30 points) and two second places (26 points) respectively. Green/Parsons got 20 points from a third and a fourth place finish in their events, which most likely will not be enough for the Final.
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series consists of six events: Skate America, Skate Canada International, Grand Prix de France, Cup of China, the Grand Prix Espoo (FIN) and NHK Trophy (JPN). Skaters collect points towards to qualify for the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final 2023/24 in Beijing (CHN).
ISU Grand Prix Standings
For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit here.
All Media Accreditations details and deadlines for the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series can be found here.
Where to Watch
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events will be live streamed with English commentary on the official ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating YouTube Channel in most countries. Find out Where to watch the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating competitions.
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ISU Grand Prix Schedule
The schedules of each ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating events are available below:
20 - 22 Oct, 2023 Skate America, Allen (Texas, USA)
27 – 29 Oct, 2023 Skate Canada International, Vancouver (CAN)
03 - 05 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix de France, Angers (FRA)
10 - 12 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Cup of China, Chongqing (CHN)
17 - 19 Nov, 2023 Grand Prix Espoo, Espoo (FIN)
24 - 26 Nov, 2023 NHK Trophy, Osaka (JPN)
07 - 10 Dec, 2023 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final, Beijing (CHN)
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