Chinese skaters claim junior pairs title at ISU Grand Prix Final

Zhang Jiaxuan and Huang Yihang hold the national flag and walk around the stadium to express their gratitude on Dec. 8, 2024. (Photo provided by Heilongjiang Sports Bureau)

(ECNS) -- Chinese skaters Zhang Jiaxuan and Huang Yihang claimed the junior pairs title at the ISU Grand Prix Final of Figure Skating 2024/25 in Grenoble, France, on Sunday, with an impressive lead of nearly 21 points over the runner-up. This marks China’s successful return to the top after 11 years.

In the final, Zhang and Huang earned 62.94 points in the short program and 113.15 points in the free skate, culminating in a total score of 176.09 points. Each of their scores marked a new personal best.

In their debut competition as a pair in the Junior Grand Prix series, Zhang and Huang achieved remarkable success by winning two consecutive titles. They entered the final as the top-ranked team, standing out as the only “double champions” among the six qualifying pairs and the sole representatives from China.

This season marks their final appearance in the junior division. Starting next year, the pair will transition to the senior level.