Cup Of China

The skating season continues this week in Beijing, the same city the Grand Prix final will take place in just a few short weeks. Here's a quick preview on those hoping to qualify to come back soon!

Full starting orders and results can be found here.

Ladies

Mirai Nagasu (USA) will be hoping to erase some of the disapointment from the world championships and return to the form that made her 4th in the olympics. She will face off against Miki Ando and Akiko Suzuki of Japan as well as 'mini Yu-Na' Korea's Ming-Jung Kwak

Mens

Brian Joubert had somewhat of a disaster in Vancouver, leading him to once again question his situation and switch coaches. He has however showed a great return to form in some of the lead up competitions for this season and doesn't want to give up yet. He'll be competing against fellow europeans Samuel Contesti (Italy) and Tomas Verner (Czech Republic) as well as Takahiko Kozuka of Japan

Pairs

World Champs Pang & Tong will be looking to add more gold to their bag after their recent win at NHK and qualify for the grand prix final in their home town. Their closest competition may be from last week's Skate Canada winners Iliushenchkina & Maisuradze.  World junior champions Sui & Han will also look to emulate their mentors.

Dance
The favourites in the ice dance will be italian veterains Faiella & Scali. I must admit they have never been this bloggers personal favourites (mainly for their long term rivalry with the Kerrs) but they peaked at the right time in 2010 and look set to continue up the ice dance ladder. Their competition will be the crowd pleasing Pechalat & Bourzat of France, Russuians Bobrova & Soloviev and American siblings Madison & Keiffer Hubbell.