Petrosian Leads Tight Women’s Short at ISU Skate to Milano Qualifier

Gubanova and Hendrickx Shine in Comebacks.

The women’s singles event at the 2025 ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier opened with a statement of intent from some of Europe’s brightest stars, as Beijing’s National Indoor Stadium hosted the decisive Olympic qualifying showdown. With only five Olympic berths available for Milano Cortina 2026, the pressure was palpable, and the competition did not disappoint.

Adeliia Petrosian, skating as a neutral athlete, edged into first place with a poised and powerful short program that earned 68.72 points. Competing in her first senior international event, the 18-year-old showed nerves of steel, hitting her triple flip–triple toe loop combination and collecting top levels on spins and steps. A slight under-rotation on her Lutz was the only blemish, but it did little to dent her commanding performance.
Less than a point behind was Anastasiia Gubanova of Georgia, the 2023 European champion, who looked nothing like the skater that faltered at Worlds earlier this year. Her Indian-themed short program radiated joy and personality, highlighted by a clean triple flip–triple toe and a buoyant performance quality. Scoring 68.08, she reminded the skating world of her ability to blend technical precision with artistry. For Gubanova, the stakes are especially high: not only does she want another Olympic appearance, but her success could help Georgia qualify for the team event in Milano.
In third place sits Loena Hendrickx of Belgium, who marked her long-awaited return after injury with a solid, if slightly shaky, performance. The reigning European champion picked up 66.92 points, admitting afterward that nerves and the mental toll of a comeback played a role. Still, Hendrickx’s presence among the top three is a testament to her resilience and a hopeful sign for her Olympic campaign.

The host crowd had reason to cheer as Zhang Ruiyang delivered a confident short program, skating to Madonna with flair. Her 62.78 points put her fourth, a strong showing for the 17-year-old making her senior debut on home ice.
Stefania Yakovleva of Cyprus rounded out the top five with 59.37 points, keeping herself—and her federation—in the hunt for a coveted Olympic quota.

With just a few points separating the leaders, Saturday’s free skate promises a dramatic finish. The top five athletes at the conclusion of the event will secure Olympic quota places, ensuring that every jump, spin, and step could carry the weight of a nation’s Olympic dreams.
Women’s short program standings (top five):
Adeliia Petrosian (AIN) – 68.72
Anastasiia Gubanova (GEO) – 68.08
Loena Hendrickx (BEL) – 66.92
Zhang Ruiyang (CHN) – 62.78
Stefania Yakovleva (CYP) – 59.37

The women’s free skate takes place on Saturday, 20 September, where Olympic hopes will be decided in Beijing.

Source: article on olympics.com, published September 19, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer