Nathan Chen is one of the host's main hopefuls at the opening Grand Prix of Figure Skating event of the new season in Everett in Washington ©Getty Images

The new International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating season is set to begin tomorrow at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett in Washington.

A group of 60 athletes from 16 countries are expected to compete in the ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance competitions due to finish on Sunday (October 21). 

The pairs short programme and men’s short programme will start the first day of competition in the United States with home favourite Nathan Chen headlining the men’s event.

The world number two was an Olympic bronze medallist at Pyeongchang 2018 and won the gold at the World Figure Skating Championships in Milan in March this year.

In the pairs competition, Russia’s world number one pair Evgenia tarasova and Vladimir Morozov will be competing.

In the ice dance event, the hosts will be cheering on Madison Hubbel and Zachary Donohue, ranked second in the world.

Similarly, world number eight, Satoko Miyahara of Japan is the highest ranked women’s skater expected to compete in Everett.

Other stops on the 2018 Grand Prix Series include the Skate Canada International in Laval, the Rostelecom Cup in Saint Petersburg, the Trophee de France in Paris, the Cup of China in Beijing and the NHK Trophy in Hiroshima.