**Figure Skating at the 2017 Asian Winter Games – Pairs**
**Definition**
The pairs figure skating event at the 2017 Asian Winter Games was a competitive discipline in which male and female skaters performed routines together, combining elements of jumps, spins, lifts, and synchronized movements. This event was part of the broader figure skating competitions held during the Games, showcasing the talents of pairs teams from various Asian countries.
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## Overview
The pairs figure skating competition at the 2017 Asian Winter Games took place in Sapporo, Japan, as part of the multi-sport event held from February 19 to 26, 2017. The Asian Winter Games is a continental multi-sport event organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), featuring winter sports disciplines. The 2017 edition marked the eighth occurrence of the Games and was notable for its inclusion of figure skating events that attracted top athletes from across Asia.
Pairs figure skating is a discipline where a male and female skater perform together, executing technical elements such as throw jumps, twist lifts, death spirals, and side-by-side jumps and spins. The event is judged on technical merit and artistic impression, with scores determining the final placements.
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## Venue and Schedule
The pairs figure skating event was held at the Makomanai Ice Arena in Sapporo, a venue with a rich history of hosting international skating competitions, including events during the 1972 Winter Olympics. The competition was conducted over two days, consisting of a short program and a free skating segment.
– **Short Program:** February 24, 2017
– **Free Skating:** February 25, 2017
The short program required pairs to perform a set of required elements within a limited time, while the free skating allowed for a longer routine with more freedom in choreography and technical content.
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## Participating Nations and Competitors
The pairs event featured a total of 12 competitors forming 6 pairs teams from 4 different nations. The countries represented included:
– China
– Japan
– Kazakhstan
– South Korea
These nations have traditionally been strong contenders in figure skating within Asia, with China and Japan particularly known for their competitive pairs teams on the international stage.
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## Competition Format
The pairs figure skating competition followed the International Skating Union (ISU) judging system, which combines technical and program component scores to determine the final results.
### Short Program
In the short program, pairs were required to perform specific elements, including:
– A lift
– A twist lift
– A throw jump
– Side-by-side jumps
– A death spiral
– A spin
Each element was evaluated for execution quality, and deductions were applied for errors such as falls or time violations.
### Free Skating
The free skating segment allowed pairs to showcase a longer routine, typically lasting four minutes, incorporating a variety of jumps, lifts, spins, and choreographic sequences. The free skate is weighted more heavily in the overall score, making it crucial for final placements.
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## Results
### Medalists
– **Gold:** China
– **Silver:** China
– **Bronze:** Japan
The Chinese pairs dominated the event, securing both the gold and silver medals, reflecting their strong tradition and investment in pairs figure skating. The Japanese team earned the bronze, demonstrating competitive performances and technical proficiency.
### Detailed Placements
1. **Gold Medal Pair (China):** The winning Chinese pair delivered clean performances in both the short program and free skating, impressing judges with their technical difficulty and artistic expression. Their routines included high-level throw jumps and lifts executed with precision.
2. **Silver Medal Pair (China):** The second Chinese pair also performed strongly, with minor errors that prevented them from overtaking the gold medalists but still securing a comfortable second place.
3. **Bronze Medal Pair (Japan):** The Japanese pair showed solid skating skills and artistry, earning them the bronze medal. Their performances were noted for their synchronization and presentation.
4. **Other Competitors:** Pairs from Kazakhstan and South Korea completed the field, gaining valuable experience on the continental stage despite finishing outside the medal positions.
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## Significance and Legacy
The pairs figure skating event at the 2017 Asian Winter Games highlighted the growing competitiveness of Asian nations in winter sports, particularly in figure skating disciplines traditionally dominated by European and North American countries. The strong showing by Chinese pairs underscored their status as a powerhouse in the sport, while Japan’s podium finish reflected the depth of talent in the region.
The event also provided an important platform for athletes to gain international competition experience ahead of other major events such as the World Figure Skating Championships and the Winter Olympics. The Asian Winter Games continue to serve as a key developmental and competitive opportunity for figure skaters in Asia.
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## Summary
The pairs figure skating competition at the 2017 Asian Winter Games was a well-contested event featuring six pairs from four Asian countries. Held at the historic Makomanai Ice Arena in Sapporo, the event consisted of a short program and free skating segment, judged under the ISU system. Chinese pairs dominated the podium, winning both gold and silver medals, while Japan secured the bronze. The competition showcased the technical skill and artistic expression of Asian figure skating pairs and contributed to the sport’s development in the region.
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**Meta Description:**
The pairs figure skating event at the 2017 Asian Winter Games featured six teams from four nations competing in Sapporo, with China winning gold and silver and Japan taking bronze. The competition highlighted the strength of Asian pairs skating on the continental stage.