Grand Prix of Helsinki - Pairs SP - Top 5 Highlights

Nicole della Monica & Matteo Guarise's death spiral

Last year, right about this time, we were somewhere in China, waiting for the Cup of China to begin. This year, however, things have literally taken a different route. China has withdrawn from hosting any skating events due to a) venues being renovated for the 2022 Olympics and b) a desire to get their skaters to 'go out more' and experience international competition systems. So it is that this season's third Grand Prix is being held in the capital of Finland, Helsinki.

Perhaps not by mere coincidence, the pairs short programme (which started the competition again), had a definite European air about it. The top five pairs were almost all European and belonging to what up until last season, we called 'the next generation.' Well, the next generation started their careers as the current generation today.

Italy's Nicole della Monica/Matteo Guarise achieved an amazing result by finishing first. I have to say I am not a massive fan of the see-through slash-like design of her costume, but the back is really cool. She stepped out of the 3Salchow and he barely caught her on the 3Twist lift. Score: 68.18.

Natalia Zabijako/Alexander Enbert skated to Alexander Nevski, a piece I've never heard before. Really good piece of swordmanship during the step sequence to drive the storyline. He fell on the side-by-side 3Toeloops, unfortunately. Score: 67.59.

Daria Pavliuchenko/Denis Khodykin are the junior world champions. Their 3Twist was super high, but she put a hand down on the throw 3Flip and they did not have the best synchronicity during the step sequence. Score: 63.80.

Miriam Ziegler/Severin Kiefler finished just out of the podium range. They had quite good transitions, but she put a hand down on the throw 3Flip and they were out of sync during the side-by-side spins. Score: 62.69.

Taeok Ryom/Jusik Kim ended on fifth place, but they didn't have the best of days. She fell on the side-by-side 3Toeloops and put a hand down down on the throw 3Loop. The side-by-side spins were not completely in sync either. Score: 56.87.

Although there weren't any breath-taking performances like some of the ones we saw in the US or Canada, I am expecting a bit of drama to go down in the final. The Italians have quite the battle in front of them to hold onto their position, while the Russians (both pairs) will likely do their best to advance.

Quote of the competition is:


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