Malinin vs. Siao Him Fa

The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating ignites in Angers, France, from October 17 to 19, 2025, as Olympic and world champions light up the Patinoire des 4 Pavés. This season opener delivers drama, with France’s three-time champion Adam Siao Him Fa facing American quad sensation Ilia Malinin in a blockbuster men’s singles clash. The return of Olympic ice dance gold medalist Guillaume Cizeron with new partner Laurence Fournier-Beaudry adds emotional stakes, setting the tone for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic cycle.

Top Storylines: Rivalries and Returns

Men’s singles pits Adam Siao Him Fa, who’s ruled this event since 2022 with captivating artistry, against Ilia Malinin, whose last loss came here in 2023. Now a two-time world champion, Malinin’s jaw-dropping quads aim to dethrone the hometown hero. “Angers taught me to push harder,” Malinin shared, hinting at a fierce showdown.

In ice dance, Guillaume Cizeron’s comeback after retiring post-Beijing 2022 is a must-watch. Paired with Canadian Laurence Fournier-Beaudry, a 2022 world bronze medalist, their tango-infused debut could electrify the French crowd. Japan’s world champion pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara lead with stunning throws, while Kaori Sakamoto hunts a fifth straight Grand Prix win in women’s singles, nearing retirement. Shoma Uno and Italy’s Charlène Guignard and Marco Fabbri round out a stellar 24-skater field.

Event Schedule: Three Days of Fire

Times in CET (UTC+1), check ISU website for updates.

Friday, October 17

• 09:00–11:00: Pairs Short Program
• 12:00–14:00: Men’s Short Program
• 15:00–17:00: Women’s Short Program
• 18:00–20:00: Ice Dance Rhythm Dance

Saturday, October 18

• 09:00–11:00: Pairs Free Skate
• 12:00–14:00: Men’s Free Skate (Malinin vs. Siao)
• 15:00–17:00: Women’s Free Skate
• 18:00–20:00: Ice Dance Free Dance

Sunday, October 19

• 09:00–11:00: Exhibition Gala
• 12:00: Awards Ceremony

How to Watch: Don’t Miss a Moment

Stream live for free on ISU’s website (isu.org) or YouTube with multilingual commentary. U.S. viewers catch it on NBC Sports or Peacock; Europe via Eurosport and Discovery+. Japan’s NHK and Canada’s CBC Gem offer regional streams.

Angers: The Perfect Stage

The 3,000-seat Patinoire des 4 Pavés amplifies every cheer, boosting Siao Him Fa’s home edge. His 2023 emotional win set the bar high. With tickets gone, stream the action to see if Malinin topples Siao or Cizeron redefines ice dance. Angers marks the start of an epic Olympic journey.

Source: article by Lena Smirnova on olympics.com, published October 13, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer