Cheng Peng/Yang Jin (CHN) recovered from an early mishap to take a 12-point lead in the Pairs Short Program at the ISU Grand Prix Shiseido Cup of China in Chongqing on Friday. Yuchen Wang/Yihang Huang (CHN) are second, followed by the new team of Daizifei Zhu/Yuhang Liu (CHN).
Cheng Peng/Yang Jin (CHN) have a 12-point lead after their Short Program on Day 1 © International Skating Union (ISU)
Peng/Jin had a shaky start to their elegant routine to “Somewhere in Time” when Peng went down on the triple toeloop, but the team recovered instantly to produce a rock-solid throw triple loop, excellent triple twist and level-four lift, spin and footwork. The two-time ISU Four Continents medalists scored 75.62 points.
“This is the first time we competed in this new short program and overall we are satisfied with it,” Jin said. “We did it only two months ago and we still continue to make some changes.”
Peng added: “I am not so happy about my jump as I made a mistake. We have worked a lot on the jumps and this mistake has not happened in a long time. It came as a surprise to me.” 
Yuchen Wang/Yihang Huang (CHN) in action at the Shiseido Cup of China © International Skating Union (ISU)
Wang/Huang completed a high triple twist, a throw triple Salchow and a level four step sequence in their program to “Go Now” by Adam Levine. However, Wang stepped out of the side by side triple toe. The ISU World Junior Championship competitors earned 63.56 points.
“We are competing at the Cup of China for the first time and we were able to show our level from training,” Huang said. “There were still some mistakes and we were a bit nervous.”
Zhu/Liu’s program to “Never Tear Us Apart” by Bishop Briggs included a throw triple loop and side by side double Axel. Making their debut in a major event, the team scored 54.37 points. 
Daizifei Zhu/Yuhang Liu (CHN) dancing to 'Never Tear Us Apart' in the ISU GP in Chongqing © International Skating Union (ISU)
“It was quite OK for us. We also have a new choreography and made some changes in the step sequence,” Liu said.
Zhu added: “There is still room to grow. I am happy with how my partner did and he helped me to overcome my nervousness.”
Shiseido Cup of China continues Saturday with the Free Dance, the Ladies, Men’s and Pairs Free Skating. For full entry lists and further information regarding the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series please visit: https://isu.org/GrandPrix. Follow the discussion on social media by using #FigureSkating #GPFigure.
Where to watch and follow the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2020?
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating will be live streamed on the Skating ISU YouTube Channel.
Geo-restrictions will apply in markets where TV rights are in place. You will find the full list in the Where to Watch news here.
Subscribe to the Skating ISU YouTube Channel to receive alerts when the live streams start and when new videos are posted.
Stay connected with the ISU Social Media:
YouTube: Skating ISU
IG: @ISUFigureSkating
Facebook: @ISUFigureSkating
Twitter: @ISU_Figure
Follow the conversation with #GPFigure and #FigureSkating.
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.