2025 Worlds: Pairs' thoughts and comments

[gsk8]

Some surprises in the top 5, or no? How did your predictions go? What are your thoughts? What was your favorite short and long program?

Watching Stellato-Dudek smile throughout the free skate made me really enjoy it more.

Miura and Kihara remind me of Sui and Han. Their movements. Very dynamic and fast! Here's hoping they stay injury-free for next season.

It was so nice to see the Italians in good form. Macii admits to having a lot of nervousness which makes Conti feel "powerful"

Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin are so nice to watch! Loved their free skate!

Kudos to Alisa Efimova and Misha Mitrofanov in their debut at this event!! Very thrilled for them.

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara reclaim World title

2025 World Figure Skating Championships: Pairs Japan's Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara reclaimed the World title in Boston, Mass., on Thursday night,

www.goldenskate.com

 

[4everchan]

I had the top 5 right but in the wrong order

Other than being disappointed for the Canadian results, I was very unimpressed by this competition. It was simply much more exciting at worlds last year. There were more clean programs or cleaner programs to enjoy.

A lot of jumps were short. A lot of throws were two-footed.

The judging left me wondering a bit.

Again, we saw the Georgians fail to get a medal after a good showing at Junior worlds. I guess they are not pacing themselves properly.

I like Miniki the most in terms of elements but that last lift sure was the last nail in the coffin for a world title. They need better programs. Much better programs.

I usually like R/R. They are fast and have strong skating skills. Impressive lifts and usually a gorgeous throw triple lutz... but they had mistakes on 3 out of 4 risky moves....

The American teams, though they were hyped by their home crowd are very nice to watch but they are not yet strong enough overall (again with the risky moves)

Overall, it's not a competition I will rewatch, unfortunately.

 

[noskates]

I thought for the first time in many years that US Pairs did a great job. I just wish Danny and Ellie could get to a point where their skating skills are comparable to each other. Ellie just HAS to start landing those jumps and throws. They are an exciting team to watch but then - kaplooie - yet again. Use the coming year to get Ellie up to speed and we have a contending pair team. Alisa and Misha were wonderful. I agree that it's nice to see the Italians stepping up. Their pairs discipline has really come a long way in the past few years. Riku and Ryuichi had great choreography and were very fun to watch - didn't feel that way in the past. I always have high hopes for Trennt and his partner. I really enjoy them but silly little mistakes take over. Deanna and her partner just do not look as strong as they have in the past. I've never seen any chemistry between them -just going through their routine step by step. It was refreshing to see her smile for a change. I don't think their music helped much and didn't draw in the crowd. My favorite team was the Germans and I really thought they had taken the gold. It was very close.

 

[RobinA]

Haven't much liked Pairs for many years now, and it used to be my favorite discipline. Last night I kept forgetting I was watching Worlds. Fugly lifts, wonky throws and blown jump combos. Zzzzzzzzzzz. Yeah, I fell asleep after the first couple pairs.

 

[skatingfan1412]

My first time closely watching the pairs program at Worlds for OWG qualifying! I love love MiNiki but that last lift in the FS cost them the title. The Japanese definitely had mistakes, but their SP was so much more engaging and interesting than the Germans (choreo and music especially). I hope the Germans pull together two exciting programs next season focused also on choreo and music since they are so technically strong.

I was surprised by the underperformance of the Bergamo pairs - Hocke/Kunkel, Ghilardi/Ambrosini, Milania/Filippo, but then looked at their scores throughout this season and feel they were fairly judged.

My new favorites are the Dutch and Poles. I didn’t realize Daria/Michal have been together since 2018/2019, and Ioulia with various partners since 2016? Please correct me if that’s not right! I’m just looking at scores! Hard work and continued persistence pays off! They are also Team Savin/Fedor Klimov teams. Just saw on Minerva’s IG that all Worlds teams for Savin/Klimov team qualified for OWG. Amazing!

The Beijing qualifiers will be a dog fight for those remaining three spots… Russia 1, China seems questionable unless its former champ Sui Wenjing coming back? Anyone know the latest?

 

[Flying Feijoa]

Haven't much liked Pairs for many years now, and it used to be my favorite discipline. Last night I kept forgetting I was watching Worlds. Fugly lifts, wonky throws and blown jump combos. Zzzzzzzzzzz. Yeah, I fell asleep after the first couple pairs.

Sort of similar for me, pairs was my favourite around the Pyeongchang era (maybe I preferred the programme pacing with the extra 30 seconds). To be fair, I think it's been a better season overall with teams showing development and the field getting closer to pre-pandemic levels. It just wasn't a great Worlds

 

[discodisco]

I thought for the first time in many years that US Pairs did a great job. I just wish Danny and Ellie could get to a point where their skating skills are comparable to each other. Ellie just HAS to start landing those jumps and throws. They are an exciting team to watch but then - kaplooie - yet again. Use the coming year to get Ellie up to speed and we have a contending pair team. Alisa and Misha were wonderful. I agree that it's nice to see the Italians stepping up. Their pairs discipline has really come a long way in the past few years. Riku and Ryuichi had great choreography and were very fun to watch - didn't feel that way in the past. I always have high hopes for Trennt and his partner. I really enjoy them but silly little mistakes take over. Deanna and her partner just do not look as strong as they have in the past. I've never seen any chemistry between them -just going through their routine step by step. It was refreshing to see her smile for a change. I don't think their music helped much and didn't draw in the crowd. My favorite team was the Germans and I really thought they had taken the gold. It was very close.

Unfortunately, this competition continued the trend of dull pairs programs that has defined much of this quadrennial, aside from last year’s stronger showing.

Deanna and Max had a brutal program. They desperately need music that plays to Deanna’s "diva" character, like last year’s vampire routine. Sweeney Todd would be a perfect fit—with Deanna as the killer barber—letting her command attention and highlight her elegant posture and positions, especially in the lifts.

The Germans were excellent, but they need to break free from the generic, emo-style short program music. With their classic look and graceful lines, something like Rachmaninoff would elevate their presence.

Trennt and Lia had my favorite programs of the year, particularly the short. However, they remain too messy overall—not just with throws and jumps, but also in their movement quality and posture. Their choreography is fantastic, so they should keep both programs and spend the year refining the details. With cleaner execution, they could realistically challenge for bronze if others falter.

 

[discodisco]

I thought for the first time in many years that US Pairs did a great job. I just wish Danny and Ellie could get to a point where their skating skills are comparable to each other. Ellie just HAS to start landing those jumps and throws. They are an exciting team to watch but then - kaplooie - yet again. Use the coming year to get Ellie up to speed and we have a contending pair team. Alisa and Misha were wonderful. I agree that it's nice to see the Italians stepping up. Their pairs discipline has really come a long way in the past few years. Riku and Ryuichi had great choreography and were very fun to watch - didn't feel that way in the past. I always have high hopes for Trennt and his partner. I really enjoy them but silly little mistakes take over. Deanna and her partner just do not look as strong as they have in the past. I've never seen any chemistry between them -just going through their routine step by step. It was refreshing to see her smile for a change. I don't think their music helped much and didn't draw in the crowd. My favorite team was the Germans and I really thought they had taken the gold. It was very close.

Honestly, there is something about Danny and Ellie that I love. Not sure what it is, but they have this it factor and a great connection. I think that there East of Eden program is my favorite program from the last few years. If they are able to get those stupid throws down, then they really don't have any noticeable weaknesses as far as I can tell. They are another team that really could do some damage if they were to develop consistency and bring her up to Danny's level. I personally like Chan and Howe as well and think they are great, and that both of these teams are better than the current US national champions if they speak to their potential

 

[skatingfan4ever]

I will never forget what Efimova/Mitrofanov did at this Worlds, especially given the last two months of craziness. Their standing O was incredible. I love Alisa's throw landings and death spirals, especially. Their LP was magical for me, SBS issues aside. The whole program followed by the crowd response made me not care about the SBS jumps. What a moment. It was so much bigger than figure skating.

Hase/Volodin had the other best LP of the night for me. Well done.

I was not expecting Conti/Macii to medal here. Congrats.

Kam/O'Shea placed better than I thought they would. I love their skating but to me their errors stand out more than the errors of Efimova/Mitrofanov.

Miura/Kihara had a fantastic SP, which I've loved since SA, but that LP was not it for me. The song is annoying, for starters. When they first came on the scene, they seemed so much more consistent. Their skating quality is undeniable and top-notch, but I hope they can start doing cleaner LPs again.

 

[ladyjane]

I enjoyed the Pairs event, both the Short and the Free. I usually do. There is a bit of 'menning' this time with some major changes between Short and Free. However mostly in the lower echelons. I was so impressed by Ioulia and Michal in the Free. And those emotions were so lovely to watch. Ioulia usually catches me because of her smile which is one of the best in the World. Minerva and Nikita were great, and I liked the Japanese and Italians too. Loved Daria and Michel, but then, I am Dutch after all. The Australians are always a favourite, I loved to see some new blood too. A pity the Fins had not the FS, especially after a good SP. And I felt a bit sorry for Annika and Robert, who usually do so well in the jumping passes. And the Americans did a bit of a swap: excellent SP for Ellie and Danny, excellent FS for Alisa and Misha which was also very emotional. I was happy to see Deanna and Max being pretty relaxed, found it a pity that Lia and Trennt could not show a better tango (when they do, it's such a lovely programme) and I also felt sorry for Kelly Ann and Loucas. I've seen them do so much better in the Free. I realise there always will be disappointments, but that doesn't make it less painful. Still, nice watching!

 

[ManyCairns]

Minerva and Nikita were absolutely mesmerizing, amazing, captivating in the long. I just loved that performance and wish they hadn't had that bobble at the end of the lift, because I think it cost them. I loved Riku/Ryui in the short, as well. But Minerva and Nikita -- I didn't especially like their programs earlier in the season, but now I love them.

 

[withwings]

Unfortunately, this competition continued the trend of dull pairs programs that has defined much of this quadrennial, aside from last year’s stronger showing.

Deanna and Max had a brutal program. They desperately need music that plays to Deanna’s "diva" character, like last year’s vampire routine. Sweeney Todd would be a perfect fit—with Deanna as the killer barber—letting her command attention and highlight her elegant posture and positions, especially in the lifts.

The Germans were excellent, but they need to break free from the generic, emo-style short program music. With their classic look and graceful lines, something like Rachmaninoff would elevate their presence.

Trennt and Lia had my favorite programs of the year, particularly the short. However, they remain too messy overall—not just with throws and jumps, but also in their movement quality and posture. Their choreography is fantastic, so they should keep both programs and spend the year refining the details. With cleaner execution, they could realistically challenge for bronze if others falter

Agree, totally agree- Rachmaninoff would elevate their presence.
However, imo, Eduard Grieg Piano Concerto A Minor would fit them like a glove- would be an absolute perfection!

The choose of their SP music and style afaik was Nikita's choice, Minerva was not keen for it. Anyway, it is commendable to try different styles and music if timeline allows, specially for a new pair.

 

[4everchan]

Agree, totally agree- Rachmaninoff would elevate their presence.

maybe they don't want to look even more like a Russian pair ? I don't kow

However, imo, Eduard Grieg Piano Concerto A Minor would fit them like a glove- would be an absolute perfection!

I think that may be an interesting choice... but they'd need to stay away from the third movement... I'd suggest the powerful opening of the first movement and some of the lyrical part of both the first and second movement

The choose of their SP music and style afaik was Nikita's choice, Minerva was not keen for it. Anyway, it is commendable to try different styles and music if timeline allows, specially for a new pair.

I am glad they didn't win this year. It would be too early and too soon. Glad for Japanese and their win.

 

[withwings]

maybe they don't want to look even more like a Russian pair ? I don't kow

hmmm....indeed it might be so....

I think that may be an interesting choice... but they'd need to stay away from the third movement... I'd suggest the powerful opening of the first movement and some of the lyrical part of both the first and second movement

it is an brilliant, brilliant idea!!

 

[lariko]

Personally, I was glad there was enough pairs for some to not qualify because it started to look like there is a competition in the discipline. Can't put my finger on why Hase/Volodin lost, I thought they were the strongest. I didn't have Canadians in top 5, given their recent slump, so kudos to them for getting into top 5. Also, I really hope Efimova/Mitrofanov will become USA first pair. They can probably rock some military classic with the physique. British team is really the most improved this year.

 

[snowball]

Not sure where To post this. Just wanted to say isu should have e more big events in Boston. The turn out was incredible and support etc. very good for the sport In General

 

[cailuj365]

So proud of Efimova/Mitrofanov. Their throws are so effective, and they have beautiful expression. Her SBS jumps are an issue, yes, but she has shown improvement too on this front. I'm never going to forget this free skate. They brought the house to their feet. Keep working with Renee Roca.

Hase/Volodin's FS was stunning. Such a shame about the last 5 seconds, but I believe in their future success. They have been incredible since their debut.

Conti/Macii had my favorite SP performance actually. The CLAP after the throw, mamma mia. I love when skaters meet the moment.

I am glad that Berulava/Metelkina did not make it on to the podium this year. Extremely flat, non-engaging FS.

 

[moonvine]

Honestly, there is something about Danny and Ellie that I love. Not sure what it is, but they have this it factor and a great connection. I think that there East of Eden program is my favorite program from the last few years. If they are able to get those stupid throws down, then they really don't have any noticeable weaknesses as far as I can tell. They are another team that really could do some damage if they were to develop consistency and bring her up to Danny's level. I personally like Chan and Howe as well and think they are great, and that both of these teams are better than the current US national champions if they speak to their potential

I agree about Ellie and Danny. Also note he was skating with a broken foot.

 

[moonvine]

Not sure where To post this. Just wanted to say isu should have e more big events in Boston. The turn out was incredible and support etc. very good for the sport In General

I think they should move them around personally. I’d love to see Detroit host one. The arena is incredible and disability services top notch. I did not attend this worlds but last worlds disability services were awful. Worst I have ever seen anywhere.

 

[4everchan]

Not sure where To post this. Just wanted to say isu should have e more big events in Boston. The turn out was incredible and support etc. very good for the sport In General

Montreal worlds were stellar too you know... And Worlds in Japan are usually super cool too !
Worlds usually get great turn outs.

Personally, I prefer worlds in places like Prague (let's hope it will be awesome) in smaller fed countries where there isn't as much "home cooking"