Cup of China 2015 Preview

Has anyone else noticed that some Grand Prix events are changing their name? You probably have, and you're probably already aware that it's because the sponsors are changing. So Hilton HHonors Skate America became Progressive Skate America, and the Lexus Cup of China has switched to the Audi Cup of China.

The name change doesn't really have much importance unless you want to discuss finance and politics, which I really don't, but I thought I'd at least acknowledge it.

Another change we'll witness this season in Beijing, where the competition is held, has to do with German pair skating. No, it doesn't concern Aliona Savchenko/Bruno Massot (both officially German skaters now), but another, less troubled pair: Mari Vartmann/Rubert Blommaert. The two got together at the beginning of the season, after splitting up with their former partners Aaron van Cleave and Annabelle Proelss.

The rest of the pair rooster doesn't bring any surprises on the ice. Wenjing Sui/Cong Han will surely start as favourites, especially after their extraordinary performance in Milwaukee. Yuko Kavaguti/Alexander Smirnov from Russia will be their main rivals. Interesting to note that they are doing a soundtrack for the first time in I-can't-remember-how-long.

Sui & Han are the favourites in the pairs' event
Photograph: Getty Images
The boys' events will feature Javier Fernandez as the favourite and Han Yan as the poster boy. Both are aiming to get as high on the podium as they can, and should under normal circumstances achieve their goals. However, if the past two Grand Prix competitions have thought us anything is that new skaters can make big waves. Looking at the list of entries, I don't expect that to be the case in Beijing, but the Spanish and Chinese will have to get through Sergei Voronov to reach a medal. I expect Elladj Balde and Misha Ge to perform well too.

The ice-dance competition will be the first outing for Anna Cappellini/Luca Lanotte and Elena Ilinykh/Ruslan Zighanshin. I expect them to be each others' main rivals, but not really threaten Madison Chock/Evan Bates' high chances of gold. Still, I will always hope for a brilliant comeback from the Italians. I'm also looking forward to Federica Testa/Lucas Csolley, who had a very promising second half of the season in 2014/2015.

The real grand event of Cup of China 2015 will be the ladies' event. Mao Asada is back! I don't think I need to say more, so let's discuss the options for the silver and bronze medals. It's likely going to be Anna Pogorilaya versus Elena Radionova versus Rika Hongo. I tend to lean more towards the Russians' chances, but Rika has surprised us before, and in Russia of all places.

If this trend of surprising turns of events continues in the Capital Gymnasium of Beinjing or not, we will have to see this weekend. Make sure not to miss it, and come here for coverage of the events.

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