Helsinki Rockettes starts the season soaring. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Being the first synchro event on the ISU calendar, the Shanghai Trophy unveiled the 2024-25 competition season this weekend. The event was senior-level only. The Finnish Helsinki Rockettes, German Team Berlin 1, Hungarian Team Passion and Polish Team Ice Fire Senior came to China to participate in this event. They took the ice on 4 and 5 October.
Helsinki Rockettes (SP: 69.32; FS: 139.39; total: 208.71) claimed their first gold medal of the season as one would expect. Despite a fall, they led by a considerable margin after skating their Short Program which is based this season on Zaz’s "Laponie" and Karl Hugo’s "Ma Terre Promise". And for the Free Skate, the team presented an action-packed performance called "Criminal" but it was slightly dented by a fall. Still, the audience fell in love with their energy and their new programs.
Helsinki Rockettes' Short Program: "Le Poème - Laponie". (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Helsinki Rockettes showcased innovative wheel during Free Skate. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Team Berlin 1 fought hard and came second on both days. And so they handsomely won the silver medal (SP: 55.77; FS: 120.25; total: 176.02) with no fall in either program. Their SP is based on the 2024 Eurovision hit "The Code", whereas a selection of Gabriel Saban’s orchestral music forms the FS program.
Team Berlin 1 has this year a solid Short Program. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Team Berlin 1 wasted no chance and displayed their strength right at the start of Free Skate. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Team Passion (SP: 46.32; FS: 107.93; total: 154.25) was disappointed after the short program as a result of low technical scores due to elements being called at lower levels. Nevertheless, they staged a comeback and proved their resilience on the second day with the “Nothing Is As It Seems” theme free program. In the end, they managed to take home the bronze medal.
Team Passion commanded attention from spectators with glamorous Short Program. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Team Passion's Free Skate has impressive group lifts. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Team Ice Fire Senior (SP: 51.96; FS: 98.11; total: 150.07) made a cheerful impression in China. Spectators were presented with rhythmic “Malagueña” as their short program and “Epic Slavic Music” as their free skate. Although they had a good chance for a podium spot after SP, the two falls and costume deduction on the second day were not helpful.
Team Ice Fire Senior and their colourful costume for Short Program. (Credits: Roy Ng - 2024)
Team Ice Fire Senior demonstrated tight formation during Free Skate. (Credits. Roy Ng - 2024)
Besides their competition, the teams also had opportunities to savour the atmosphere of the Shanghai Trophy. After the prize ceremony, all four teams performed at the closing gala along with skaters from other disciplines. It was a memorable occasion for all attendees.
Teams' experiences coming soon
With the season just beginning, teams will have more opportunities to further refine their performances. Indeed, they now have the time to return to training, polishing their routines even more, which should lead to more sophisticated performances and greater confidence in future competitions.
During the event, insights were gathered from coaches and skaters at the post-competition press conference. Stay tuned, an article is on the way!
Results - TOP 3
Shanghai Trophy Shanghai (CHN) OCT 03, 2024 - OCT 05, 2024