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Liu Claims Victory as Malinin Stumbles at World Figure Skating Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 9:11 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: CHINA, UNITED STATES, JAPAN

Beijing, China - February 22nd, 2026 - The ISU World Figure Skating Championships concluded today with a captivating blend of soaring performances and unexpected stumbles, leaving the figure skating world buzzing. The competition, held in Beijing, witnessed a changing of the guard in the men's singles event, a dominant showing in pairs skating, and a thrilling conclusion to the ice dance competition.

The men's singles competition proved to be the most dramatic, with defending champion Ilia Malinin of the United States facing an unexpected challenge. Malinin, known for his groundbreaking quad Axel, faltered during his free skate attempt of the jump, landing awkwardly and costing him valuable points. The fall dramatically shifted the standings, dropping him from first after the short program to third overall with a final score of 205.79. While still a remarkable athlete, this performance demonstrates that even the most innovative skaters are not immune to the pressures of competition. Analysts are already discussing whether this stumble will impact his preparation for future events, including a potential bid for another world title next year.

Capitalizing on Malinin's misfortune was Chinese skater Liu, who delivered a breathtaking free skate performance. Liu, third after the short program, unleashed a program filled with artistry and technical prowess, earning a score of 150.97. The emotional performance resonated with the audience, earning a resounding standing ovation. Combined with his short program score, Liu's overall performance propelled him to the top of the podium, marking a significant victory for Chinese figure skating and a potential new star in the sport. This win signifies a growing trend of strong performances from Asian skaters, particularly within the host nation of China, and may herald a shift in the traditional dominance of North American and European skaters.

Japanese skater Yuma Kagiyama also enjoyed a successful competition, securing second place overall with a total score of 214.73. Kagiyama's consistent performance throughout both programs demonstrated his reliability and technical skill. He will undoubtedly be a key competitor in future championships, providing a consistent challenge to established stars like Malinin and the rising talent of Liu.

Beyond the men's competition, the pairs event saw a stunning victory for Germany's Katharina Mueller and Tim Diebel, who secured gold with a total score of 204.95 points. Their performance was characterized by precision, elegant lifts, and seamless transitions. The German pair edged out the popular Japanese duo of Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi, who earned silver with 186.94 points. The experienced Takahashi, a former singles champion, continued to demonstrate his versatility and passion for the sport in his pairs career. The American pair of Audrey Nifenecker and Evan Bates rounded out the podium with a bronze medal and a score of 183.95.

In the ice dance competition, Canada's Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier reigned supreme, claiming the gold medal with a score of 221.99. Their program was lauded for its intricate choreography, expressive storytelling, and flawless execution. The American team of Madison Chock and Evan Bates, consistently strong performers, secured the silver with 218.39 points. Great Britain's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson took the bronze with a score of 214.53, marking a strong result for the British ice dance program.

The 2026 World Figure Skating Championships were not only a showcase of athletic skill and artistry but also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of competitive sport. The championships highlight the increasing global competition within figure skating, with athletes from diverse nations challenging the traditional powerhouses. The rise of skaters like Liu, coupled with the consistent performance of athletes from Japan and the continued strength of North American and European skaters, promises an exciting future for the sport.