The conclusion of this season’s ISU Grand Prix sees skaters fight for the remaining spots at the Cup of China in Chongqing.

When is it on?

Cup of China begins Friday, 22 November with the rhythm dance and concludes Sunday, 24 November with the exhibition gala.

Who is skating?

Adam Siao Him Fa (FRA) staged another one of his now trademark comebacks at Grand Prix de France three weeks ago to win the men’s title for the third consecutive year. The two-time European champion only requires a fourth place finish in Chongqing to earn a ticket to next month’s Grand Prix Final. Shun Sato (JPN) picked up a silver medal at Skate Canada last month and a similar result this weekend would see him join Siao Him Fa in Grenoble. Nika Egadze (GEO) and Mikhail Shaidorov (KAZ) just missed out on the podium at their respective Grand Prix assignments and both require nothing less than victory if they are to qualify for the Final. European medallists Matteo Rizzo (ITA) and Deniss Vasiljevs (LAT) are out of the running for the Final, but could spoil the party for other depending on how they skate.

The women’s event is shaping up to be the most hotly contested of this Grand Prix. Amber Glenn (USA) is the only skater here with a win in her pocket already from Grand Prix de France, but she will still need to medal to guarantee herself a place in the Final. All three Japanese entries have the opportunity to join their three compatriots already qualified for Grenoble. Mone Chiba (JPN) and Rinka Watanabe (JPN) are in the most advantageous positions after coming second at NHK Trophy and Skate America respectively. Rion Sumiyoshi (JPN) realistically needs to win, as do Chaeyeon Kim (KOR) and Kimmy Repond (SUI) although the latter two will depend on how well certain other skaters behind them perform.

In contrast, the pairs event looks to be straightforward enough. Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin (GER) and Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii (ITA) went one-two at Grand Prix de France and the odds are looking likely that the same thing will happen in Chongqing. Either pair could finish as low as fourth and still make it to the Final. Lia Perreira and Trennt Michaud (CAN) appear to be a safe bet for a medal.

In the ice dance category, it is likely down to a three-horse race for the last two spots in the Final. Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri (ITA) suffered a shock defeat at Grand Prix de France and will be aiming to get back on track with a win in China. Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha (CAN) and Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko (USA) more expectedly took silver at each of their respective first assignment. Whichever of these teams finishes in the bronze medal position will not advance to the Final. Another team to look out for will be Juulia Turkkila and Matthias Versluis (FIN) who are coming off third place at their home Grand Prix last weekend in Helsinki.

Everything you need to know (and some things you did not) about the skaters, the competition schedule and results can be viewed here.

When is the skating on?

Through the night in North America, morning till lunchtime in Europe and afternoon till evening in Asia. The times listed for Cup of China are local and if you want to know what the time difference is between where you are and Chongqing then this link is your friend.

Where can I watch the pretty skaters?

This season’s ISU Grand Prix can be viewed on the Skating ISU YouTube channel. Geographic restrictions may apply.

What are the hashtags?

#GPFigure #FigureSkating