Hello everyone,
If you haven't noticed, I've taken a little break from blogging this fall. I've been really busy these past few months and haven't been around to write good posts, but I have been keeping up with the Grand Prix and Jr. Grand Prix. I've also been checking my formspring so if anyone has any questions for me I will answer them even if I'm taking a break from blogging at the time.
These are just some thoughts on the season so far:
In the men, I actually like Patrick Chan's LP this season, and it will be magical if he ever skates it clean. However, I do think that Daisuke deserved to win the LP in the GPF. I am personally a bigger fan of Takahashi's SP than his LP, but one has to admit he skates to EVERY note in that program. I also really like Abbott's LP this season, and was impressed by his quad, however he will need to finally get it together for the second half of the season if he wants to challenge for podium positions. I have also been impressed with Fernandez's consistency and SP as well as Hanyu's LP and think these two will pose great threats in the future.
In ice dance, I have really been impressed with Weaver/Poje. Obviously team Canton is in a league of their own right now, but W/P could challenge them in the future. The Shibutanis programs just don't really do it for me this year as much as last year, most likely because of the latin SD and not-as-good similar FD. I really hope that I/K can reach their potential because they are one of the most interesting teams for me to watch, and they really have a connection that the Americans don't have. Time will tell...
I really cannot comment too much on pairs because I don't know much about the discipline, but the battle between S/S and V/T is turning out to be very interesting and should push the sport forward and hopefully the discipline back into the spotlight. I am also a big fan of Takahashi/Tran and hope they can improve their consistency because they are really a beautiful pair to watch.
And finally, my favorite discipline, the ladies. First of all I have to talk about Mao Asada. My deepest condolences to her and her family. The last thing this poor girl needed was another obstacle to overcome, but if anyone can overcome this, it's Mao. She was finally looking to be back to her old self. Even if she crumbles once again, she has shown she still has it and shows great courage to keep pushing forward. Carolina Kostner seems to be finally living up to potential, even without a lutz. Her programs this season are beautiful, especially her LP, and with Asada she really is the class of the field. Alissa's programs aren't as good this season, which is disappointing for someone who could prove herself as a world medalist this season. I have been impressed with Liza this season, however, her program actually goes around in that same circle so many times I get dizzy. She needs to fix that and fast, because otherwise, it's really not a bad program. Her lutz-toe combination is incredible, and even her spins seem slightly improved. Sotnikova should not be skating to Liebestraum because it just doesn't compare to Mao. Her nerves are also getting to her, but I expect her to get it together for the second half of the season. Leonova's LP just confuses me. Finally, I want to talk about Polina Korobeynikova. I really have been the most impressed by her this season. Yes, she struggles with consistency, but her technique is actually solid and when she hits, her jumps are big and rotated off the right edge. She actually his a good layback position! I hope she can break through because her skating is mature and beautiful, and her ice coverage is nice and fast.
Those are my thoughts, and I will try to post a few more times before I get busy again. Happy holidays readers and remember if you have a question to ask me on my formspring! I will respond.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 19
She's so happy in this video! I want Mao to have performances this season where she can truly be happy and the end of her program. This is probably her best performance of the 04-05 season but is less known because it is from Japanese Jr Nationals. Everything looks effortless and she carries good speed throughout the program. She needs to bring these 2 qualities back to her skating this season so the judges will once again recognize and appreciate Mao for what she still is - a great skater with a newfound maturity on the ice. I wish her well this season not only as a fan of Mao, but also as a fan of the sport.
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 15
I've come to appreciate this program more and more every time I watch it. The transitions are what they should be - difficult but not flashy like some skaters "look at my footwork that has nothing to do with the music before this jump". Everything is choreographed on the music and I agree with the commentators - he does a great job presenting her.
Damned youtube won't let me put the video on this...but you can watch it here.
Damned youtube won't let me put the video on this...but you can watch it here.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August 10
I wish more of the current US ladies could bring me in and force me to focus on them for an entire program. Actually, now that I think about it, none of them can (with the exception of Alissa because you never know if/when she is going to splat).
Friday, August 5, 2011
The need to share
I was browsing the internet and found this interesting article about a fellow blogger's book and her take on TV coverage. I think she does a great job explaining the situation and makes good points about the nature of the sport. Here is the article - I would recommend reading it! I don't know the blogger myself, but I would also recommend reading her blog if you like what she had to say in the article!
This is a completely unrelated point... but I can't wait for the new season to start! With all the Black Swans there seem to be, we should be treated to at least one in each event this year...yay! (sarcasm)
This is a completely unrelated point... but I can't wait for the new season to start! With all the Black Swans there seem to be, we should be treated to at least one in each event this year...yay! (sarcasm)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Grand Prix Assignments Pt. 2!
The second half of the 6-competition series kicks off with the NHK Trophy of Japan. The pairs event has some big names, including P/T, S/S, K/S. T/T will also be there to challenge if one of those teams withdraws (which is likely due to past injuries that at least one of those teams will be injured). The mens event will be an exciting preview for the Japanese Nationals, with Kozuka and Takahashi fighting it out for gold. Tomas Verner will also challenge for a podium spot. If any of these three falter, all three American men there - Armin, Ross Miner, or Mroz could take the bronze.
The ladies competition in Mao Asada's to lose, assuming she is back to her old form by then. Leonova will also be there, but she is still wildly inconsistent even though she skated clean at worlds. Agnes Zawadski may have her best chance of landing on the podium here, but she will have to fight off judges' favorite Kiira Korpi and skate a solid LP to have any chance.
The dance event is full of up-and-comers, with the Shibutanis, I/K, and W/P. The Shibutanis might win, but the Russians may have an advantage in the short dance which does not suit brother and sister duos as well as last years' did. Also, the Shibs may be tired out from CoC one week before.
TEB brings us another exciting mens event, where 7 men have realistic chances to land on the podium: Chan, Brezina, Amodio, Joubert, Oda, Lysacek, and Rippon. Right now, Chan is the favorite, but Oda is known to do well at the beginning of the season - if he doesn't Zayak. If Lysacek actually returns, he will most likely podium. If not, any of the men listed above will claim a medal. The pairs event should be another easy win for V/T, and B/L should also do well. Who knows, maybe E/L can beat out D/R for the bronze.
The ladies event still has 2 TBD spots, but the three spots on the podium will be fought for between Kostner, Murakami, Lepisto, Elizaveta, and Czisny. They are all fairly inconsistent, with the exception of Murakami, so it's hard to predict who will win. If Elizaveta puts out two solid programs with the technical content she is capable of, she could very well win the grand prix of France, but that can also be said for Kostner and Czisny. Lepisto is still a question mark. The ice dance event should be interesting, with V/M going in as favorites for gold, and P/B for silver. I/K and C/L will most likely challenge each other for bronze.
The last competition before the GPF is the Rostelecom Cup, formerly Cup of Russia. The ice dance event will be headlined by D/W. W/P should challenge for a podium spot, but will have to fight off B/S and R/T as well as one other Russian team. The ladies event will be a display of new talent - only 4 skaters are 20 or older - Lacoste, Korpi, Asada, and Leonova. The latter three will have to hold off up-and-comers including Sotnikova and Zawadski for podium spots.
The mens field is probably the weakest off all mens field in the GP, but there are quite a few men at about the same level to challenge for the podium spots. Young talents Hanyu and Gachinski could win if their on, as could Abbott and Verner. Having two different quads in their programs could really help Fernandez and Brezina here, as the field is pretty much wide open. In pairs, S/S are the favorites, but there is still a TBD Russia spot that V/T could take, which could make the competition VERY interesting. K/S will challenge for a podium spot. The bronze is up for grabs to whoever skates the best - maybe G/E.
The ladies competition in Mao Asada's to lose, assuming she is back to her old form by then. Leonova will also be there, but she is still wildly inconsistent even though she skated clean at worlds. Agnes Zawadski may have her best chance of landing on the podium here, but she will have to fight off judges' favorite Kiira Korpi and skate a solid LP to have any chance.
The dance event is full of up-and-comers, with the Shibutanis, I/K, and W/P. The Shibutanis might win, but the Russians may have an advantage in the short dance which does not suit brother and sister duos as well as last years' did. Also, the Shibs may be tired out from CoC one week before.
TEB brings us another exciting mens event, where 7 men have realistic chances to land on the podium: Chan, Brezina, Amodio, Joubert, Oda, Lysacek, and Rippon. Right now, Chan is the favorite, but Oda is known to do well at the beginning of the season - if he doesn't Zayak. If Lysacek actually returns, he will most likely podium. If not, any of the men listed above will claim a medal. The pairs event should be another easy win for V/T, and B/L should also do well. Who knows, maybe E/L can beat out D/R for the bronze.
The ladies event still has 2 TBD spots, but the three spots on the podium will be fought for between Kostner, Murakami, Lepisto, Elizaveta, and Czisny. They are all fairly inconsistent, with the exception of Murakami, so it's hard to predict who will win. If Elizaveta puts out two solid programs with the technical content she is capable of, she could very well win the grand prix of France, but that can also be said for Kostner and Czisny. Lepisto is still a question mark. The ice dance event should be interesting, with V/M going in as favorites for gold, and P/B for silver. I/K and C/L will most likely challenge each other for bronze.
The last competition before the GPF is the Rostelecom Cup, formerly Cup of Russia. The ice dance event will be headlined by D/W. W/P should challenge for a podium spot, but will have to fight off B/S and R/T as well as one other Russian team. The ladies event will be a display of new talent - only 4 skaters are 20 or older - Lacoste, Korpi, Asada, and Leonova. The latter three will have to hold off up-and-comers including Sotnikova and Zawadski for podium spots.
The mens field is probably the weakest off all mens field in the GP, but there are quite a few men at about the same level to challenge for the podium spots. Young talents Hanyu and Gachinski could win if their on, as could Abbott and Verner. Having two different quads in their programs could really help Fernandez and Brezina here, as the field is pretty much wide open. In pairs, S/S are the favorites, but there is still a TBD Russia spot that V/T could take, which could make the competition VERY interesting. K/S will challenge for a podium spot. The bronze is up for grabs to whoever skates the best - maybe G/E.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Grand Prix Assignments!
So the Grand Prix assignments just came out today and I decided to share my thoughts on each event.
The series is back to starting with Skate America, and makes its way through Asia to Europe as the weeks go on. This makes a lot more sense than the past couple of seasons where it jumped from continent to continent every weekend, making it extremely difficult if anyone happened to be unlucky enough to have back-to-back assignments. It also makes it difficult for the coaches, whose students may not (most likely do not) have the same assignments, leaving skaters without their main coach for weeks at a time.
The mens event should be the most exciting event at Skate America, as Evan Lysacek is listed as an entry. Whether or not he will actually compete is a whole other story, but it does add interest to have the reigning Olympic Champion competing. Takahiko Kozuka should win if he skates as he did all 2010-2011 season. I'd like to see Brezina break out and land on the podium here. He has placed 4th at worlds twice, but hasn't had much success on the GP, so I hope he can pull it together this early in the season. There is a TBD spot, and I hope it goes to Armin. He proved himself at SA last season, and with only one assignment and a realistic chance to podium, it should go to him.
The dance event is very empty at SA, an effect of all of the break-ups this season. Davis and White should win and P/B will be in second. With the exception of those two teams, it looks to be a very boring event. Pairs could be interesting even though S/S are pretty much a lock for a gold, with the return of Zhang and Zhang. Although they seem to have fizzled in the past couple of years, I enjoy their skating and admire their determination. Bazarova/Larionov will medal.
The ladies event looks to be full of many triple sals, toes and loops. The only Asian skater their is Imai, who is so inconsistent she could be 3rd or 10th. The field is all pretty much equal, and filled with pretty Euro skaters, most of which do not posses the full set of triples. It's between Czisny and Kostner for the gold. Lepisto is also returning, but after a year full of injuries, she is a question mark. Makarova will probably claim the bronze. I wonder who the USFSA is saving the TBD for. Gong? Cesario? I guess we won't know until the JGP assignments are released.
Skate Canada brings us slightly more excitement across all events (meh...ladies, not so much). In the ladies event we see the senior debut of Liza, who I think is a better senior skater than a junior skater. She could very well win it all. Hopefully Nagasu will bring her A-game, especially to the SP where Liza usually falters, and win her first GP. This may be her best chance this season. Suzuki and Leonova will be there too, as will the tranny Canadians.
Pairs should be exciting with V/T leading the field - just imagine how good they will be this year if they were already that good last year!! We will also see the Canadians teams battle it out for podium spots alongside Sui/Han, who will also be challenged by my favorite team, Takahashi/Tran. If T/T get their jumps consistent, they can be a really good pairs team - I think they can be better than Bazarova/Larionov who placed very highly at every competition they entered last season.
The dance field is also exciting with V/M, W/P, P/B, and C/L. I really hope W/P make the podium here because they are such a lovely team to watch. In mens, we see a battle between Chan and Takahashi. Takahashi would need to completely blow Chan out of the water in Chanada, but I hope he does. Someone needs to beat Chan, but I doubt it will happen here.
Next we move to Asia for Cup of China. In the men's event, Brian Joubert will try to win CoC - the only GP event he hasn't won yet. I really hope he wins it this year, as it would be such an accomplishment to say you've won every grand prix. He will face competition from Hanyu and Oda from Japan, as well as Jeremy Abbott and maybe even Richard Dornbush. Ice dance is a boring field, highlighted by the Shibutanis. B/S will also be there, but besides them, the field is fairly weak. This may be a chance for Lichtman and Copely to establish themselves.
The ladies field actually looks interesting here, as any of Kostner, Murukami, Sotnikova, and Nagasu are contenders for gold. This is Sotnikova's debut on the senior circuit, and if she skates anything like she did at her debut on the JGP last season, she will do very well. Gao also makes her senior debut. She is still a question mark on how much of an impact she will have on this field - it all depends on her improvement this off-season. The pairs event has Pang/Tong, Zhang/Zhang, and Kavaguti/Smirnov, but I'm still not too excited about it.
More to come tomorrow!!
The series is back to starting with Skate America, and makes its way through Asia to Europe as the weeks go on. This makes a lot more sense than the past couple of seasons where it jumped from continent to continent every weekend, making it extremely difficult if anyone happened to be unlucky enough to have back-to-back assignments. It also makes it difficult for the coaches, whose students may not (most likely do not) have the same assignments, leaving skaters without their main coach for weeks at a time.
The mens event should be the most exciting event at Skate America, as Evan Lysacek is listed as an entry. Whether or not he will actually compete is a whole other story, but it does add interest to have the reigning Olympic Champion competing. Takahiko Kozuka should win if he skates as he did all 2010-2011 season. I'd like to see Brezina break out and land on the podium here. He has placed 4th at worlds twice, but hasn't had much success on the GP, so I hope he can pull it together this early in the season. There is a TBD spot, and I hope it goes to Armin. He proved himself at SA last season, and with only one assignment and a realistic chance to podium, it should go to him.
The dance event is very empty at SA, an effect of all of the break-ups this season. Davis and White should win and P/B will be in second. With the exception of those two teams, it looks to be a very boring event. Pairs could be interesting even though S/S are pretty much a lock for a gold, with the return of Zhang and Zhang. Although they seem to have fizzled in the past couple of years, I enjoy their skating and admire their determination. Bazarova/Larionov will medal.
The ladies event looks to be full of many triple sals, toes and loops. The only Asian skater their is Imai, who is so inconsistent she could be 3rd or 10th. The field is all pretty much equal, and filled with pretty Euro skaters, most of which do not posses the full set of triples. It's between Czisny and Kostner for the gold. Lepisto is also returning, but after a year full of injuries, she is a question mark. Makarova will probably claim the bronze. I wonder who the USFSA is saving the TBD for. Gong? Cesario? I guess we won't know until the JGP assignments are released.
Skate Canada brings us slightly more excitement across all events (meh...ladies, not so much). In the ladies event we see the senior debut of Liza, who I think is a better senior skater than a junior skater. She could very well win it all. Hopefully Nagasu will bring her A-game, especially to the SP where Liza usually falters, and win her first GP. This may be her best chance this season. Suzuki and Leonova will be there too, as will the tranny Canadians.
Pairs should be exciting with V/T leading the field - just imagine how good they will be this year if they were already that good last year!! We will also see the Canadians teams battle it out for podium spots alongside Sui/Han, who will also be challenged by my favorite team, Takahashi/Tran. If T/T get their jumps consistent, they can be a really good pairs team - I think they can be better than Bazarova/Larionov who placed very highly at every competition they entered last season.
The dance field is also exciting with V/M, W/P, P/B, and C/L. I really hope W/P make the podium here because they are such a lovely team to watch. In mens, we see a battle between Chan and Takahashi. Takahashi would need to completely blow Chan out of the water in Chanada, but I hope he does. Someone needs to beat Chan, but I doubt it will happen here.
Next we move to Asia for Cup of China. In the men's event, Brian Joubert will try to win CoC - the only GP event he hasn't won yet. I really hope he wins it this year, as it would be such an accomplishment to say you've won every grand prix. He will face competition from Hanyu and Oda from Japan, as well as Jeremy Abbott and maybe even Richard Dornbush. Ice dance is a boring field, highlighted by the Shibutanis. B/S will also be there, but besides them, the field is fairly weak. This may be a chance for Lichtman and Copely to establish themselves.
The ladies field actually looks interesting here, as any of Kostner, Murukami, Sotnikova, and Nagasu are contenders for gold. This is Sotnikova's debut on the senior circuit, and if she skates anything like she did at her debut on the JGP last season, she will do very well. Gao also makes her senior debut. She is still a question mark on how much of an impact she will have on this field - it all depends on her improvement this off-season. The pairs event has Pang/Tong, Zhang/Zhang, and Kavaguti/Smirnov, but I'm still not too excited about it.
More to come tomorrow!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sorry!
Sorry I haven't been posting lately, but I am really busy right now, and waiting for a lot of good news before I put all of my energy into one big post. I will be going on vacation later this month, but will be back just in time for skaters to announce their music. The one thing I will comment on is Agnes' switch from Tom Z. IDK how it's gonna work with Santee being in Chicago and Agnes being in CO Springs, but it has to be an improvement if Christy Krall is helping her. Agnes has all the goods, she just needs to be packaged correctly (LOLWUT was her SP dress) and hold it together in the LP.
TTFN.
TTFN.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
May 29
In the offseason, I find myself watching/rewatching old videos on youtube, and this one came up as a suggestion for me. I had already seen Tanith and Ben's 2007 FD multiple times before, but it had been a while, so I decided to refresh my memory. I really like this program. I know they changed programs midway through the season, but it was definitely a good change, and one can only imagine the level their "Amelie" program would have been at with just one more competition under their belt. Watching this program also had me thinking about Meryl and Charlie's unseen Amelie program, and I decided that it was a good idea that they skated to the waltzes instead. Honestly, I don't think they could have pulled Amelie off - it just doesn't match their style. Oh well.
Anyway, the combination lift about halfway through the program is exquisite!
Anyway, the combination lift about halfway through the program is exquisite!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May 28
First of all, here is one of my favorite Sasha programs from the 03-04 season. I have posted about it before, but she performed it so nicely many times that I am posting about it again. It seems almost every year, a top skater tries to capture the essence of Swan Lake, but not to many have been memorable and successful. The few that have include, of course, Oksana, Sasha, and in a modern way, Dai. With the Black Swan being such a hit, interest in the Swan Lake ballet has increased tremendously, and it is inevitable that at least a few skaters will try to tackle this program next season.
Good luck.
This post is not over yet! Sorry to anyone that reads, but I have not been as active with my posts lately because I am really busy right now. It's also the offseason, so there aren't competitions to give predictions/reports about, so there is, in general, less to write about. Hopefully, more skaters will announce their music selections for next season soon, and when enough skaters do I will post on that.
Finally, I was watching some old Yukina Ota, Sasha, Arakawa, etc. programs, and I had a thought. With the spirals essentially gone from ladies skating, something has to be done. Not to mention the lack of decent layback spins from half the field, now the only thing distinguishing that ladies from the men are the jumps. Something needs to be done. In the SP, the requirement is "sideways or layback spin". This should be changed to layback spin. The shoulders must be parallel to the ice, and a layback position must be achieved for this element to count. Second, the spiral sequence needs to be changed again. The spiral should still be in the SP with the rules in effect this season - two 3 second spirals, or one 6 second spiral, for 2 points. In the LP, it should be changed to a moves in the field sequence which includes the spiral requirements listed above, but must also include other classic moves that seem to be disappearing unless for 1 second before a jump as a "difficult entrance". This includes spread eagles, ina bauers, split jumps, stag jumps, hydroblades, etc. The moves in the field sequence would be worth 3 points, and MUST COVER THE ENTIRE ICE SURFACE. No offense, but I'm tired of seeing the only moves in the field of a program held for a split second with, most of the time, no relation to the music, immediately preceding an element to boost GOE.
Ok, rant over!
Good luck.
This post is not over yet! Sorry to anyone that reads, but I have not been as active with my posts lately because I am really busy right now. It's also the offseason, so there aren't competitions to give predictions/reports about, so there is, in general, less to write about. Hopefully, more skaters will announce their music selections for next season soon, and when enough skaters do I will post on that.
Finally, I was watching some old Yukina Ota, Sasha, Arakawa, etc. programs, and I had a thought. With the spirals essentially gone from ladies skating, something has to be done. Not to mention the lack of decent layback spins from half the field, now the only thing distinguishing that ladies from the men are the jumps. Something needs to be done. In the SP, the requirement is "sideways or layback spin". This should be changed to layback spin. The shoulders must be parallel to the ice, and a layback position must be achieved for this element to count. Second, the spiral sequence needs to be changed again. The spiral should still be in the SP with the rules in effect this season - two 3 second spirals, or one 6 second spiral, for 2 points. In the LP, it should be changed to a moves in the field sequence which includes the spiral requirements listed above, but must also include other classic moves that seem to be disappearing unless for 1 second before a jump as a "difficult entrance". This includes spread eagles, ina bauers, split jumps, stag jumps, hydroblades, etc. The moves in the field sequence would be worth 3 points, and MUST COVER THE ENTIRE ICE SURFACE. No offense, but I'm tired of seeing the only moves in the field of a program held for a split second with, most of the time, no relation to the music, immediately preceding an element to boost GOE.
Ok, rant over!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 17th
I have been trying really hard to diversify my pick of the days (aka not just stan Mao Asada every day), but I think it has been a reasonable amount of time since my last post on Mao!
I have chosen her 2007-2008 GPF LP, where she found her self first to skate after completely skipping her lutz in the SP. This is probably my favorite LP performance of hers, because she has it all in this program. There are only two things that bother me about this program. 1) the ugly combo spin at the end, and 2) the lack of a triple salchow. She has speed, elegance, seamless choreo, etc., not to mention a clean triple axel and two clean triple-triple combinations. THIS is what Mao needs to bring back next season if she wants to re-establish herself on top.
I have chosen her 2007-2008 GPF LP, where she found her self first to skate after completely skipping her lutz in the SP. This is probably my favorite LP performance of hers, because she has it all in this program. There are only two things that bother me about this program. 1) the ugly combo spin at the end, and 2) the lack of a triple salchow. She has speed, elegance, seamless choreo, etc., not to mention a clean triple axel and two clean triple-triple combinations. THIS is what Mao needs to bring back next season if she wants to re-establish herself on top.
Monday, May 16, 2011
May 16th
This post is about a relatively unknown Russian skater. She is not at the level of the other wonder-babies technically, but her artistry and carriage on the ice is vastly superior to many of her more technically proficient country-women.
Her name is Polina Korobeynikova. I really hope Russia gives her a JGP assignment so she can get some international experience, and I also hope she gets a triple lutz in her programs next season so she can establish herself as a competitor at Russian Nationals.
Her name is Polina Korobeynikova. I really hope Russia gives her a JGP assignment so she can get some international experience, and I also hope she gets a triple lutz in her programs next season so she can establish herself as a competitor at Russian Nationals.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
May 15th
Another skater who holds the could've should've would've status had she not struggled with so many injuries: Ann Patrice McDonough. She is probably the only Tom Z. skater I can bear to watch, and it makes me wonder why the rest of his skaters don't carry the type of effortless speed, have as nice posture and stretch, or as fast, well-centered spins as she has. Oh well...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
May 14th
Another favorite skater of mine is Yukina Ota. It is really unfortunate that she had so many injuries, but then again, with her not-so-solid jump technique, she would have been penalized harshly had she skated with the CoP. Her flow across the ice is beautiful, as are her wonderful ina bauers and spins. It is a shame that she didn't have better jumps - to think about it, perhaps her poor jumping contributed to her injuries - because she had everything else she needed to become a world medalist/champion.
Enjoy it while it lasted:
Enjoy it while it lasted:
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I HAS FORMSPRING
I made a formspring!
Anyone can ask me questions here at: formspring.me/skateskates1
Anyone can ask me questions here at: formspring.me/skateskates1
Monday, May 9, 2011
POTO
Two different programs to POTO, two very talented skaters, two (almost) clean performances. How would they stack up against each other if skated at the same competition?
I would have Takahashi ahead of Chan, but that is just my preference. I would say the second quad in Chan's LP cancels the step-out on the triple axel and makes the two programs, content wise, fairly equal. But who deserves the higher PCS? Takahashi by a mile. He is flying throughout the entire program, especially in the second half, and the intensity he brings is real, whereas Chan just seems to be going through the motions to pick up points. I never real see Chan ever let go during his programs and perform. (Writing this last sentence, I wanted to say performances, but just couldn't because I do not consider them performances, but programs. ) Takahashi always gives it 110% throughout the entire performance, no matter how successful his jumps are. Yes, sometimes he can get a little out of control, but it is much more interesting than 10 hitch-kicks and the same dance-mowhawk-leg extension in every program.
Friday, May 6, 2011
May 6th
It's Friday!
The offseason has officially begun (well it already happened), so now it's time for many star studded shows in Asia! Yuna's show ATS just happened, and some very thoughtful fans have started to upload fan cams of performances. One I did get a chance to see was Stephane Lambiel's performance to a male version of "Please don't stop the music", and it made me realize how much I miss him in competitive skating. I wish he would come back and just do Euros or something he could win and show us (fans) something interesting that we can connect with, as no other skater currently competing, besides Takahashi, really has that same quality that draws you in.
The offseason has officially begun (well it already happened), so now it's time for many star studded shows in Asia! Yuna's show ATS just happened, and some very thoughtful fans have started to upload fan cams of performances. One I did get a chance to see was Stephane Lambiel's performance to a male version of "Please don't stop the music", and it made me realize how much I miss him in competitive skating. I wish he would come back and just do Euros or something he could win and show us (fans) something interesting that we can connect with, as no other skater currently competing, besides Takahashi, really has that same quality that draws you in.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A New Discovery
Now that it's the offseason, we I find myself watching the suggestions YouTube gives me to further my figure skating knowledge. Today, I have discovered this Maria Butyrskaya exhibition number set to Adagio by Albonini. Although she was incredibly inconsistent (or consistently made mistakes at big competitions) throughout her career, Butyrskaya had some nice moments, including her Otonal program and her SP at 2000 worlds. This dramatic exhibition is just wonderful, with the exception of some strange arms-behind-the-back attitude position that I think is supposed to look dramatic...? You can watch the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLTvdUSEKJA
There is fluff at the beginning, which you can watch if you so desire...
Anyway, the real reason for this post is that it made me realize I wanted someone to skate to this. The piece is very dramatic and angsty, yet does have some variations to it if you listen to the piece in its entirety. I want someone to use this as there short program, but someone who can pull it off. I think that Yuna Kim should skate to this, and it would be such an improvement over giselle. Either that, or I want Lambiel to skate to it...but then again, he could skate to anything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLTvdUSEKJA
There is fluff at the beginning, which you can watch if you so desire...
Anyway, the real reason for this post is that it made me realize I wanted someone to skate to this. The piece is very dramatic and angsty, yet does have some variations to it if you listen to the piece in its entirety. I want someone to use this as there short program, but someone who can pull it off. I think that Yuna Kim should skate to this, and it would be such an improvement over giselle. Either that, or I want Lambiel to skate to it...but then again, he could skate to anything.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thoughts on Mao
I was too upset to write anything on Mao earlier because of the results, and decided it would be better if I waited a couple of hours. Wrong. I am still mad at the results. I decided to make two screen captures: one of her triple axel landing, and another of her triple toe landing.
Axel:
Toe:
Even through the blurriness, anyone with eyes can see that both of these are 1/4 turn under-rotated, deserving a <. However, Mr. Amano seems to think that she has landed forwards and gave her << for both. The axel in the SP was landed forward. These two jumps today were not. Although she never let it on, Mao was clearly struggling with her personal life after the earthquake, and her coach, Nobuo Sato, told the press she was so depressed she couldn't eat properly, and lost 10 pounds. For someone who was probably barely 100 pounds to start with, that is a lot of weight to lose in such a short amount of time. You could see how weak and frail she was out there, and her physical strength seemed to be gone. It was her mental strength, in my opinion, that got her to fight through her LP.
Now the PCS scoring was ridiculous. I realize she was in the second to last group and they needed to "leave room" for other skaters, but come on - Leonova? That is laughable. Had Mao placed above Kostner in the SP (which she should have if Kostner's 3F had been <) and skated in the final group, there is no doubt in my mind her PCS would have been at least 62.
Mao's lutz looked improved, and had anyone else done that jump the same way she did, they probably wouldn't have received an edge call. I'm tired of these double standards. I hope Mao gets plenty of rest and Taka cheers her up so she can be healthy and motivated for next season. I also hope she doesn't do too many shows/cheesefest competitions (Japan Open) so she has enough time to be fully prepared and knock everyone's socks of at her GPs. Like I said earlier, I want her to keep her LP so she doesn't have to waste time getting a new one, but she REALLY needs a new and better SP. Maybe Japanese music to honor Japan.
Axel:
Now the PCS scoring was ridiculous. I realize she was in the second to last group and they needed to "leave room" for other skaters, but come on - Leonova? That is laughable. Had Mao placed above Kostner in the SP (which she should have if Kostner's 3F had been <) and skated in the final group, there is no doubt in my mind her PCS would have been at least 62.
Mao's lutz looked improved, and had anyone else done that jump the same way she did, they probably wouldn't have received an edge call. I'm tired of these double standards. I hope Mao gets plenty of rest and Taka cheers her up so she can be healthy and motivated for next season. I also hope she doesn't do too many shows/cheesefest competitions (Japan Open) so she has enough time to be fully prepared and knock everyone's socks of at her GPs. Like I said earlier, I want her to keep her LP so she doesn't have to waste time getting a new one, but she REALLY needs a new and better SP. Maybe Japanese music to honor Japan.
The Ladies LP
I am a little ticked off by some of the judging, so I'll keep this short before I start cursing and offending people.
I am truly sorry about what happened to Flatt. I saw this as the US's best opportunity to get those 3 spots back, and she had an awful outing. Apparently she was skating on a fractured tibia? If this was true, she should have withdrawn, because even an out of shape Mirai could've managed 8th place. Czisny did a good job fighting back after she fell, but that fall cost her the bronze. She missed out on the bronze by about 2 points, but had her spins been properly scored in the SP, she may have clinched it.
Kostner actually gave a respectable performance, and after Leonova skated I wanted SOMEONE to beat her out for that third podium spot. This time, Kostner actually deserved her marks, and her triple flip was the best of the night. She had a couple of mistakes, but so did Miki and Yuna, and Leonova was just too tacky to be on the podium, so that was right.
Leonova's outfit/hair/everything was so distracting I could hardly watch. Yes, she landed those jumps, but WHAT WAS THAT? I just don't understand. And PCS above Alissa and Mao?!? Even PCS above Kiira is wrong. That was a mess. Just no. I actually like Makarova, and was sad when she Zayaked. If any Russian was to land on the podium, I would like it to be her. They got 3 spots for next year, but I don't know if they'll be able to repeat and hold onto those spots without the Russian PCS boost.
I predicted Miki would win, but she looked so nervous and slow throughout her program that I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I'm glad she did win, as she had the best skate of the night, but this was probably her worst LP of the season. She deservedly placed above Yuna, who made 2 mistakes compared to Miki's 1.
Finally, I hope bot Yuna and Mao keep their LPs for next season. Both LPs have great potential, but have not been skated well enough for me, as a viewer, to be satisfied with both of them getting new LPs. However, both of their short programs were :/ and they need new ones ASAP. I would like to see what would happen if Yuna got a short from Tarasova, while Mao got one from Wilson. Now THAT would be interesting. It's time for both of them to branch out, and of course this would add some much needed drama to the ladies competition.
All will be right again next season with Yunamao battling it out the whole season with some excellent choreo and costume choices (costumes this year were......)! All I can say is I'm glad this season is over so the skaters can get some much needed rest (and Mao needs some food ASAP!!).
I am truly sorry about what happened to Flatt. I saw this as the US's best opportunity to get those 3 spots back, and she had an awful outing. Apparently she was skating on a fractured tibia? If this was true, she should have withdrawn, because even an out of shape Mirai could've managed 8th place. Czisny did a good job fighting back after she fell, but that fall cost her the bronze. She missed out on the bronze by about 2 points, but had her spins been properly scored in the SP, she may have clinched it.
Kostner actually gave a respectable performance, and after Leonova skated I wanted SOMEONE to beat her out for that third podium spot. This time, Kostner actually deserved her marks, and her triple flip was the best of the night. She had a couple of mistakes, but so did Miki and Yuna, and Leonova was just too tacky to be on the podium, so that was right.
Leonova's outfit/hair/everything was so distracting I could hardly watch. Yes, she landed those jumps, but WHAT WAS THAT? I just don't understand. And PCS above Alissa and Mao?!? Even PCS above Kiira is wrong. That was a mess. Just no. I actually like Makarova, and was sad when she Zayaked. If any Russian was to land on the podium, I would like it to be her. They got 3 spots for next year, but I don't know if they'll be able to repeat and hold onto those spots without the Russian PCS boost.
I predicted Miki would win, but she looked so nervous and slow throughout her program that I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I'm glad she did win, as she had the best skate of the night, but this was probably her worst LP of the season. She deservedly placed above Yuna, who made 2 mistakes compared to Miki's 1.
Finally, I hope bot Yuna and Mao keep their LPs for next season. Both LPs have great potential, but have not been skated well enough for me, as a viewer, to be satisfied with both of them getting new LPs. However, both of their short programs were :/ and they need new ones ASAP. I would like to see what would happen if Yuna got a short from Tarasova, while Mao got one from Wilson. Now THAT would be interesting. It's time for both of them to branch out, and of course this would add some much needed drama to the ladies competition.
All will be right again next season with Yunamao battling it out the whole season with some excellent choreo and costume choices (costumes this year were......)! All I can say is I'm glad this season is over so the skaters can get some much needed rest (and Mao needs some food ASAP!!).
Friday, April 29, 2011
A Few thoughts on the Judging at Worlds...
After watching Universal Sports' broadcast of the Dance and Ladies short programs, I can't help but to question the judging. Of course, there is still the LP/FD and both competitions are very close between the top skaters, so the current results are not final, but they are a bit ridiculous.
I do really like V/M, but they should NOT be ahead of D/W. Yes, White didn't catch his blade right away on his twizzles, but their Golden Waltz patterns and overall polish were better than V/M in my opinion. Hopefully the judges will get it right in the FD tomorrow, because D/W really deserve to win.
I also like Yuna and was excited for her return, but she should be slightly behind Ando who skated cleanly. Ando was at a disadvantage by being the first skater in the warmup group and was lowballed on GOEs and (dare I say it) the PCS. I actually like her SP and her interpretation/choreo - this is the one time she actually deserves her marks. Yuna's opening jump should have received -3: minus 2 for the step out, and an additional -1 for minimal (none) steps into her Lutz. Those cross in fronts do not count as footwork immediately preceding a jump. Also, Czisny getting less GOE than Yuna on her layback? Maybe they got excited she didn't abort like last year? I have no other explanation.
The worst judging, though, came when Leonova somehow made it into the final warmup. Her costume alone should have gotten her disqualified. Just no. How did that beat Murukami? I just don't understand. Mao and Murukami each got < calls they did not deserve - Mao on the flip, Murukami on the toe, although I do agree with the << on Mao's 3A.
I hope everyone skates well in the LP. Theses are my predictions for overall results:
1. Miki Ando - she has skated clean LPs all year long.
2. Yuna Kim - she will make at least one mistake, possibly pop a lutz...
3. Mao Asada - her LP is 100000x better than her SP, and others will falter
4. Alissa Czisny - she will have one fall, but an overall good program
5. Carolina Kostner
6. Kanako Murukami
7. Ksenia Makarova
8. Rachel Flatt
9. Aleona Leonova
10. Kiira Korpi
This is probably wrong.
I do really like V/M, but they should NOT be ahead of D/W. Yes, White didn't catch his blade right away on his twizzles, but their Golden Waltz patterns and overall polish were better than V/M in my opinion. Hopefully the judges will get it right in the FD tomorrow, because D/W really deserve to win.
I also like Yuna and was excited for her return, but she should be slightly behind Ando who skated cleanly. Ando was at a disadvantage by being the first skater in the warmup group and was lowballed on GOEs and (dare I say it) the PCS. I actually like her SP and her interpretation/choreo - this is the one time she actually deserves her marks. Yuna's opening jump should have received -3: minus 2 for the step out, and an additional -1 for minimal (none) steps into her Lutz. Those cross in fronts do not count as footwork immediately preceding a jump. Also, Czisny getting less GOE than Yuna on her layback? Maybe they got excited she didn't abort like last year? I have no other explanation.
The worst judging, though, came when Leonova somehow made it into the final warmup. Her costume alone should have gotten her disqualified. Just no. How did that beat Murukami? I just don't understand. Mao and Murukami each got < calls they did not deserve - Mao on the flip, Murukami on the toe, although I do agree with the << on Mao's 3A.
I hope everyone skates well in the LP. Theses are my predictions for overall results:
1. Miki Ando - she has skated clean LPs all year long.
2. Yuna Kim - she will make at least one mistake, possibly pop a lutz...
3. Mao Asada - her LP is 100000x better than her SP, and others will falter
4. Alissa Czisny - she will have one fall, but an overall good program
5. Carolina Kostner
6. Kanako Murukami
7. Ksenia Makarova
8. Rachel Flatt
9. Aleona Leonova
10. Kiira Korpi
This is probably wrong.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
2011 Worlds: The Men
Since I am posting this so late, I probably don't have anything new to add to the discussions, so I will keep this short.
Patrick's win came with no surprise to me. It reminded me of 09 Worlds where Yuna was so far ahead of everyone, unless she completely bombed, she would win. His second quad in combination with a triple toe was really nice, as were his lutzes and flips, but the axel still needs work. Also, his program gave me a greater emotional impact at Canadian nationals, so I wasn't as impressed with him as I probably would have been had I not watched nationals. PCS were slightly on the ridiculous side, but the result was correct in the end.
Kozuka's silver medal wasn't too much of a surprise to me either - he had already skated two solid programs, so why not do a third? The quad was HUGE! I would've given it a plus 3 goe. He carries so much speed across the ice - he may even be the fastest skater in the world today. While other skaters seemed to be slow (perhaps due to the camera work?) he zoomed by from end to end, moving through intricate choreography at full speed like it was nothing. Once he starts to really perform, his components will be through the roof. A well-deserved 1st place TES score.
Gachinski... I just don't know about him. He is very slow, especially compared to the other medalists, and his spins are Ryan Bradley level. If he can cut this Plushenko copy-cat crap and develop his own (better) style, he can really be a force for Russia come Sochi 2014. PCS were definitely laughable - he should not be getting above the 6 range with that program. Too many O-faces in 4 and a half minutes.
Brezina started off with probably the most ambitious layout - 2 different types of quads, but ran out of steam. He needs to develop a little more speed so his jumps carry a longer arc instead of going straight up and down, which will not only make combos easier, but will also increase the GOE. As much as I love the sweater vest, this program needs to go. I am excited to see what he can pull out when he has an entire season to prepare.
Oda...I AM SO MAD AT YOU (LOL you're not reading this)!!! Had he even just done a double toe instead of a triple - which he totally could have done - he would have been the 2011 World Bronze Medalist. WHY? WHY? WHY? He needs to re-evaluate his program strategy so he repeats, for example, axel and flip instead of axel and toe. This way, he could only do one 3T, and would be less likely to Zayak.
I am so sad for 2010 champion Takahashi, but it just wasn't meant to be. After that performance given by Chan, it was clear no one was going to beat him, but I wish Takahashi could have at least salvaged a bronze. He was clearly thrown by the whole boot problem, and was off for the rest of the program with his jumps, but he needs to work on getting the levels on his spins. When you make a mistake as large as singling a quad, you need to milk every point you can out of the CoP, and Takahashi's spins just don't cut it right now. Maybe he should work with Lambiel for a little...?
Joubert looked yummy, and his quad was a beauty, but he too lost points for holding positions for 7 instead of the required 8 for a level. I love Amodio's fire and personality out there on the ice, but it's time for a program with spread out elements with real choreo in between. I am tired of all these programs where the skaters essentially play ping pong going back and forth from jump to jump with no relation to the music and no transitions in between. I hope we will see some changes next year. This was a very strange mens event, but also possibly the most competitive event at worlds, so it's no surprise the US lost the third spot. Hopefully the US ladies can get back the third spot, and with their skill levels it will be a disappointment if they don't.
Patrick's win came with no surprise to me. It reminded me of 09 Worlds where Yuna was so far ahead of everyone, unless she completely bombed, she would win. His second quad in combination with a triple toe was really nice, as were his lutzes and flips, but the axel still needs work. Also, his program gave me a greater emotional impact at Canadian nationals, so I wasn't as impressed with him as I probably would have been had I not watched nationals. PCS were slightly on the ridiculous side, but the result was correct in the end.
Kozuka's silver medal wasn't too much of a surprise to me either - he had already skated two solid programs, so why not do a third? The quad was HUGE! I would've given it a plus 3 goe. He carries so much speed across the ice - he may even be the fastest skater in the world today. While other skaters seemed to be slow (perhaps due to the camera work?) he zoomed by from end to end, moving through intricate choreography at full speed like it was nothing. Once he starts to really perform, his components will be through the roof. A well-deserved 1st place TES score.
Gachinski... I just don't know about him. He is very slow, especially compared to the other medalists, and his spins are Ryan Bradley level. If he can cut this Plushenko copy-cat crap and develop his own (better) style, he can really be a force for Russia come Sochi 2014. PCS were definitely laughable - he should not be getting above the 6 range with that program. Too many O-faces in 4 and a half minutes.
Brezina started off with probably the most ambitious layout - 2 different types of quads, but ran out of steam. He needs to develop a little more speed so his jumps carry a longer arc instead of going straight up and down, which will not only make combos easier, but will also increase the GOE. As much as I love the sweater vest, this program needs to go. I am excited to see what he can pull out when he has an entire season to prepare.
Oda...I AM SO MAD AT YOU (LOL you're not reading this)!!! Had he even just done a double toe instead of a triple - which he totally could have done - he would have been the 2011 World Bronze Medalist. WHY? WHY? WHY? He needs to re-evaluate his program strategy so he repeats, for example, axel and flip instead of axel and toe. This way, he could only do one 3T, and would be less likely to Zayak.
I am so sad for 2010 champion Takahashi, but it just wasn't meant to be. After that performance given by Chan, it was clear no one was going to beat him, but I wish Takahashi could have at least salvaged a bronze. He was clearly thrown by the whole boot problem, and was off for the rest of the program with his jumps, but he needs to work on getting the levels on his spins. When you make a mistake as large as singling a quad, you need to milk every point you can out of the CoP, and Takahashi's spins just don't cut it right now. Maybe he should work with Lambiel for a little...?
Joubert looked yummy, and his quad was a beauty, but he too lost points for holding positions for 7 instead of the required 8 for a level. I love Amodio's fire and personality out there on the ice, but it's time for a program with spread out elements with real choreo in between. I am tired of all these programs where the skaters essentially play ping pong going back and forth from jump to jump with no relation to the music and no transitions in between. I hope we will see some changes next year. This was a very strange mens event, but also possibly the most competitive event at worlds, so it's no surprise the US lost the third spot. Hopefully the US ladies can get back the third spot, and with their skill levels it will be a disappointment if they don't.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Worlds Are Here!
Yay! The world championships are finally happening, and what better way than to kick things off with a very high level of competition in the Men's QR.
Takahiko Kozuka easily won the segment with a whopping 165.00, and will likely score higher PCS in the actual LP. He skated with ease throughout the program, and only made one mistake - a hand down on an under-rotated quad. I get lost in his footwork, and actually think his basic skating skills and fluidity are better than Chan's. Unfortunately, the judges don't see this (yet) so he is stuck with being Japan's No.3.
:)
Takahiko Kozuka easily won the segment with a whopping 165.00, and will likely score higher PCS in the actual LP. He skated with ease throughout the program, and only made one mistake - a hand down on an under-rotated quad. I get lost in his footwork, and actually think his basic skating skills and fluidity are better than Chan's. Unfortunately, the judges don't see this (yet) so he is stuck with being Japan's No.3.
:)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Worlds 2011: Take Two
So the 2011 World Championships are coming up within the next week, and I cannot wait for them to finally happen. The Championships, delayed by the tragedies in Japan, should be very interesting, and I am looking forward to them for many reasons:
- The return of Yu-na Kim. She keeps tempting us with these practice clips, but never actually shows us any jumps. Yes, she can skate and perform choreography well, but after 13 months away from competition, she is a real question mark on what we will see. Hopefully we will see Kim back in top form to prevent Ando from jumping from element to element to win the title, because, as of now, it looks as if worlds may end up this way.
- The return of V/M. The little bit of their FD I saw at 4CC I liked, but I have no idea what their condition/true readiness is. Hopefully they are not putting themselves at risk for the future by returning too soon, but I would like too see them get through a whole FD before the end of the season.
- The possible/probable US gold medal in ice dance by D/W. I really like their SD this year - it is one of the few I can actually watch, but something about their FD is off-putting. I did like it better at 4CC, however, most likely due to the change in Meryl's costume.
- The US men. I have no idea what will happen, but I hope everyone skates their best. They are the biggest question mark for me.
- The US ladies best chance to get back that third spot. If Czisny places 5th, and Flatt places 8th, which is do-able, we will have it. This is most likely are best chance to get the spot back with injuries and inconsistencies with many of the other top skaters.
- The battle between the Japanese man and Chan. I feel these four men are the frontrunners for podium placement this year, but the one I really want to win a medal is Kozuka. He is a rising star following the Olympics with much better consistency in the LP than last season, and I hope he can really establish himself as one of the worlds' best. I think the placements will come down to who lands their quad, and how many do they land.
- The strong Japanese ladies. Mao Asada, of course my favorite, is building with each competition back up to form, and if her progression continues, I expect great things for her at Worlds this year. Ando has been skating well this season, but I don't like watching 5 jumps in a row with no choreography get up in the upper 7s/low 8s for PCS. IF she adds back a triple-triple in the short, I would be fine with her winning, but as of now I would be upset if she gave performances similar to the ones at 4CC and won. Finally, we have the rising star Murukami, who could definitely place top 5 with the content she shows, but needs more maturity and refinement before I would call her a challenger for Gold.
- Finally, I JUST WANT THIS SEASON TO BE OVER!! Sorry, I'm not angry, but a lot of the programs this season are so meh that I want to see something new from the skaters.
OK. Rant over. I will be covering/giving my opinions on worlds later next week so stay tuned!!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Pick of the Day - April 12
Oh Sasha, if only you could have skated like this more often. I really love this program, and I think switching from Tarasova was probably the worst thing Cohen did during her career. Tarasova gave Sasha some of her most memorable programs, and the 02-03 and 03-04 seasons were Sasha's most consistent seasons. She dominated the Grand Prix and fall cheesefests both years, but made some silly mistakes at worlds. She even attempted to fix/cover-up her flutz, which can be seen in her 02 Skate Canada LP.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Pick of the Day - April 5
Just perfection. I wish there was a pairs team out there today that could capture my attention like this. Every pairs program now feels like it lasts FOREVER, but Gordeeva and Grinkov are such an interesting pair that you want to watch every moment, and don't even release your eyes have been glued to the screen for the past 5 minutes.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Pick of the Day - April 3
Although I am a huge Mao fan, I am also a Yu-na fan. This is one of my favorite programs from Yu-na, from the TEB in 2006. I loved her Lark Ascending program that year - it was my favorite LP from the 06-07 season. However, I have not loved David Wilson's work since then, particularly in his footwork seasons. There's just something about it that I cannot pinpoint, but the footwork in this program is beautiful. With Yu-na skating to music more similar in nature to the Lark Ascending this year, I am anxious to see what David Wilson has done. From the short practice clips released in the past couple of weeks, it looks as if I am going to like her LP more than her SP due to the nature of her choreography, but I will hold my judgement until the competition. It is interesting that NONE of the ladies SPs this season can hold my interest. The only ones that interest me somewhat are by Korpi and Kostner. However, there are many interesting LPs out there this year, and I cannot wait to see what Yu-na will show us at worlds.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Pick of the Day - April 2
It's been a long time since I've done a pick of the day post, and since there haven't been any competitions in a while, I find myself watching old performances on youtube. This is tied with their 2010 free dance as my favorite programs from Virtue and Moir. I really hope they are back in top form at Worlds this season, and I am excited to see the other 2/3 of their free dance. For some reason, I always find myself liking their free dances better than their original dances/short dance. Enjoy!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Hello Again!
Hello everyone! I am back from my vacation and ready to blog!!
I am so happy that worlds are going to be held in Moscow in late April/early May. It really was the best option for everyone. Also, a big thank you to Putin (...) for expediting the visa process and covering all costs of this competition. In a way, these dates for worlds are better for me, because I would have been away when worlds were supposed to have happened. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing everyone at worlds, especially V/M and Kim, as they have not competed (well sort of...) this season yet. Overall, I hope this rescheduling of Worlds doesn't mess up the skaters' fragile minds! Good luck to everyone, and I will be trying to cover the event as much as I can watch.
I am so happy that worlds are going to be held in Moscow in late April/early May. It really was the best option for everyone. Also, a big thank you to Putin (...) for expediting the visa process and covering all costs of this competition. In a way, these dates for worlds are better for me, because I would have been away when worlds were supposed to have happened. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing everyone at worlds, especially V/M and Kim, as they have not competed (well sort of...) this season yet. Overall, I hope this rescheduling of Worlds doesn't mess up the skaters' fragile minds! Good luck to everyone, and I will be trying to cover the event as much as I can watch.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Anxiously Waiting
This delay on the decision on Worlds is killing me! The only official press releases by the ISU talk about when the next press release is coming - none give actual information. However, this gives me hope that the ISU is actually scrambling to find a new location ASAP. OTherwise, I feel like the ISU would have already cancelled Worlds. If Worlds do end up being cancelled, I'm going to be really pissed off, as they could have told us this 4 days ago. The only information we have is that they may be in October. There are many reasons why this is not a good idea.
- This is way after the end of the 10/11 season, and skaters would have no off-season
- Skaters would not have time to prepare new programs, unless they decided to debut new programs for worlds
- This is right before the GPS, so we would see many skaters taking the GPS off
- Would 2012 worlds still be in March?
- One of the main reasons for this is because of shows. THIS is their job, the shows are for the offseason. Worlds > Shows.
So, in conclusion, Worlds needs to happen before May, and probably in a European country.
If anyone sees new information, send me a link!
skateskates1@gmail.com
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Praying for Japan
With all of the tragedies that have occurred in the past few days, I would like to take a moment and do a post on Japan. From the Earthquake to the Tsunami, and now the Nuclear Power Plant, things are not looking good for Japan at the moment. Thanks to Twitter, Facebook, etc., the Japanese skaters seem to be fine, so that's one less thing to worry about. But I don't know if holding worlds in about ONE week is enough time or the best idea for Japan. They just got hit by three huge disasters, and the effects of each one has led to another disaster. The ISU seems to have reconsidered their position on proceeding with worlds as scheduled, due to possible radiation, which is an excellent idea. Either postponing worlds or moving it to a different location may be the best options for now, unless Japan cleans everything up, there are not more aftershocks, and all transportation is back to normal in the next week. This is a very difficult task, so I believe it would be smarter just to postpone to April for now.
Until then, we can only pray for the people of Japan, and especially the skaters and their families.
Until then, we can only pray for the people of Japan, and especially the skaters and their families.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
So Sad :(
I am very sad that Laura Lepisto had to withdraw from worlds, and I hope this isn't the end to her relatively short career. Lepisto and Korpi were starting to put Finland on the map for contenders at major competitions, and even had a change to score 3 spots at worlds, which will not happen now. I don't know if they will keep their 2 spots, but hopefully they will in case Lepisto does come back next year. I don't want her to be one of those skaters who always has some type of injury, so I think she should take it easy for a couple of months, heal completely, and then comeback strong next season.
However, this bodes well for the U.S. getting 3 spots back. Although it is always sad to see someone hurt, positives can come out of this. The U.S. now has a greater chance for those spots, as Lepisto was almost guaranteed to place higher than Flatt no matter how many triples she attempted. Now I can see Czisny placing at least 5th, and Flatt placing 8th, which gives us those spots. Flatt may even place 7th, depending on how Phaneuf, Korpi, etc. skate.
We can still appreciate Lepisto's skating, thanks to youtube. Here is her SP from Skate Canada in 2007, where she placed ahead of World Silver Medalist Mao Asada as an unknown:
However, this bodes well for the U.S. getting 3 spots back. Although it is always sad to see someone hurt, positives can come out of this. The U.S. now has a greater chance for those spots, as Lepisto was almost guaranteed to place higher than Flatt no matter how many triples she attempted. Now I can see Czisny placing at least 5th, and Flatt placing 8th, which gives us those spots. Flatt may even place 7th, depending on how Phaneuf, Korpi, etc. skate.
We can still appreciate Lepisto's skating, thanks to youtube. Here is her SP from Skate Canada in 2007, where she placed ahead of World Silver Medalist Mao Asada as an unknown:
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Pick of the Day - March 6
I have been looking for this performance for ever on youtube, and I'm so happy I have finally found it.
It is Shizuka's QR skate from 2004 worlds, and I actually prefer it to her gold medal winning performance in the final LP. The camera work is slightly distracting, but the picture itself is clear. Although she doubled her opening lutz, both of her 3Ts in combination looked better rotated than in the final round, and her triple loop-double loop combination was gorgeous.
It is Shizuka's QR skate from 2004 worlds, and I actually prefer it to her gold medal winning performance in the final LP. The camera work is slightly distracting, but the picture itself is clear. Although she doubled her opening lutz, both of her 3Ts in combination looked better rotated than in the final round, and her triple loop-double loop combination was gorgeous.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Junior Worlds
I did have a chance to see a few videos from Jr worlds, although they were pretty low quality so my observations may not be totally correct. My overall impression, though, is that there has been some high-quality performances across all disciplines, but the ladies field seems to be particularly strong this season.
I really like all of the Japanese ladies at junior worlds, but my favorite is Risa Shoji. She has effortless speed and nice interpretation, but all of her jumps seem to be borderline, with the exception of her sal and toe. I also like Oba, but her use of arms is slightly distracting and could be toned down. The Russian babies were also great, but I was expecting that. I really enjoyed both the performances of Liza and Adelina, but I think that Liza should be leading by a little as Adelina's 3-3 was under-rotated. That said, Adelina's spins are better so I guess it evens out. Shelepen has improved a lot, but something I have noticed with all of the Russian girls is their awful layback position. Dick Button would be having a heart attack if he saw all of these girls turned in, drooping free legs. It looks ok when Zijun Li does it - it looks like her leg is supposed to be there, but the Russian girls' laybacks are just not aesthetically pleasing. The Americans also brought it, especially Gao. Hicks' flip was huge, but the toe was sketchy and downgraded. Her other two jumps were okay, but not landed with the confidence she had at nationals, which is understandable when you are kicking off the entire group at your first international! Agnes's costume is awful, but I actually liked her program better than nationals even though there were a few minor mistakes.
In the pairs, Sui and Han were the best technically, but I prefer the style of Takahashi and Tran. That is all I have to say for now :)
I really like all of the Japanese ladies at junior worlds, but my favorite is Risa Shoji. She has effortless speed and nice interpretation, but all of her jumps seem to be borderline, with the exception of her sal and toe. I also like Oba, but her use of arms is slightly distracting and could be toned down. The Russian babies were also great, but I was expecting that. I really enjoyed both the performances of Liza and Adelina, but I think that Liza should be leading by a little as Adelina's 3-3 was under-rotated. That said, Adelina's spins are better so I guess it evens out. Shelepen has improved a lot, but something I have noticed with all of the Russian girls is their awful layback position. Dick Button would be having a heart attack if he saw all of these girls turned in, drooping free legs. It looks ok when Zijun Li does it - it looks like her leg is supposed to be there, but the Russian girls' laybacks are just not aesthetically pleasing. The Americans also brought it, especially Gao. Hicks' flip was huge, but the toe was sketchy and downgraded. Her other two jumps were okay, but not landed with the confidence she had at nationals, which is understandable when you are kicking off the entire group at your first international! Agnes's costume is awful, but I actually liked her program better than nationals even though there were a few minor mistakes.
In the pairs, Sui and Han were the best technically, but I prefer the style of Takahashi and Tran. That is all I have to say for now :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
I want to do a post but...
Hi everyone! (haha as if anyone reads this) I just wanted to let you know that I WANT to do a blog on JR worlds, but I have yet to come across any youtube videos OR live streams (I have a mac). If anyone knows of any links, they would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully SOMETHING will show up on youtube sooner or later, because I really want to know what is going on, and I feel out of it not being able to see anything. Luckily, the events I am the most interested in (Ladies, Mens) have not started yet, so I'm not super upset, but it would be nice to see some of the top Pairs and Dance...
Anyway, you can email me or post on my blog if you see anything. The address is skateskates1@gmail.com if you didn't know already.
Thanks for your help in advance!
Anyway, you can email me or post on my blog if you see anything. The address is skateskates1@gmail.com if you didn't know already.
Thanks for your help in advance!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Pick of the day - February 27
It won't let me embed the video, but you can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGQCqgTFFn8
It's Tomas Verner's LP from 2007 Worlds! I really like the way he attacked his jumps, specifically his quads, at worlds in 07, and I hope he can repeat that at worlds which will be in Japan again. With his new training style and better conditioning, I have no doubt he would be able to land that triple flip at the end this season. I just really want him to do well at worlds this year, and I want him to show everyone that he is now a consistent skater.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGQCqgTFFn8
It's Tomas Verner's LP from 2007 Worlds! I really like the way he attacked his jumps, specifically his quads, at worlds in 07, and I hope he can repeat that at worlds which will be in Japan again. With his new training style and better conditioning, I have no doubt he would be able to land that triple flip at the end this season. I just really want him to do well at worlds this year, and I want him to show everyone that he is now a consistent skater.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pick of the Day - February 23
I don't think I have ever written a post on Laura Lepisto, as she hasn't competed this season, but she is one of my favorite ladies skaters. This is my favorite performance of hers, and it is probably her favorite LP performance too!
I really hope she will be back for worlds this season! I enjoy this program a lot and I think it suits her well, and I am looking forward to seeing a new SP from her. One thing I love about Laura is her confidence - she is not afraid to make eye-contact with the judges, and her posture is always straight. The thing that frustrates me about her (and probably frustrates everyone else) is the high number of doubles she does in her program. Granted, they are nice quality doubles and don't seem out of whack (which is why I don't understand why she doesn't rotate...) Anyway, I hope she has recovered from her injury in time for worlds. I actually prefer her skating over Korpi and Kostner - she doesn't make me nervous when she skates. Yes she pops, but hardly ever falls, and her technique is very pure and pleasing. I would like for her to redeem herself at worlds this year with a long program with more than 3 triples to show she deserves the bronze medal she received last year.
I really hope she will be back for worlds this season! I enjoy this program a lot and I think it suits her well, and I am looking forward to seeing a new SP from her. One thing I love about Laura is her confidence - she is not afraid to make eye-contact with the judges, and her posture is always straight. The thing that frustrates me about her (and probably frustrates everyone else) is the high number of doubles she does in her program. Granted, they are nice quality doubles and don't seem out of whack (which is why I don't understand why she doesn't rotate...) Anyway, I hope she has recovered from her injury in time for worlds. I actually prefer her skating over Korpi and Kostner - she doesn't make me nervous when she skates. Yes she pops, but hardly ever falls, and her technique is very pure and pleasing. I would like for her to redeem herself at worlds this year with a long program with more than 3 triples to show she deserves the bronze medal she received last year.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Most Difficult Exhibition EVER!
OK, another Mao post...sorry. But there's just so much to say!
Someone was kind enough to upload a video from the 07-08 season I had never seen before. I believe it was a Japan Super Challenge competition in 2008, but I am not sure. This program to So Deep it the Night has always been one of my favorites, so I was excited. She lands the lutz as usual, and then goes into a huge 3F+3Lo with her long hair half down all over the place! I was very impressed. She goes on to do the 3 2As as usual, followed her lovely spiral, and I expected her to do a nice triple loop. But no - she goes for a triple axel, with her hair down, in spotlights, THREE AND A HALF MINUTES INTO HER PROGRAM - AND SHE STANDS UP! That is just crazy. No-one ever goes a 3A that late in a competitive program, and I mean the men. I don't know how she did it, but somehow she did. Yes, it is under-rotated and two-footed, but who cares?!? She went for it and stood up. This girl is just full of surprises, so I don't doubt that she will surprise us, hopefully in a good way, at worlds in March.
CRAZY!!
Someone was kind enough to upload a video from the 07-08 season I had never seen before. I believe it was a Japan Super Challenge competition in 2008, but I am not sure. This program to So Deep it the Night has always been one of my favorites, so I was excited. She lands the lutz as usual, and then goes into a huge 3F+3Lo with her long hair half down all over the place! I was very impressed. She goes on to do the 3 2As as usual, followed her lovely spiral, and I expected her to do a nice triple loop. But no - she goes for a triple axel, with her hair down, in spotlights, THREE AND A HALF MINUTES INTO HER PROGRAM - AND SHE STANDS UP! That is just crazy. No-one ever goes a 3A that late in a competitive program, and I mean the men. I don't know how she did it, but somehow she did. Yes, it is under-rotated and two-footed, but who cares?!? She went for it and stood up. This girl is just full of surprises, so I don't doubt that she will surprise us, hopefully in a good way, at worlds in March.
CRAZY!!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thoughts on 4CC
Four Continents was not broadcasted in the US this year, and since I have a Mac I had to wait for youtube videos to show up. :/
I do have a few thoughts on the competition, though.
First of all, almost all of my predictions were wrong. The only one that was close was my ladies prediction. That just goes to show that ice is slippery. :)
Mens:
1.) Daisuke Takahasi - I like the new changes in his LP and his new FUSp. His triple axels were also GORGEOUS here. I saw him land a couple of nice quads in practice, so hopefully that will be back in time for worlds to defend his title against Chan. His camel positions still need improvement, but the programs were, in general, the best he's done all season.
2.) Yuzuru Hanyu - I was not expecting him to medal AT ALL. He usually has trouble sustaining energy throughout his LP, but he held it together this time! His quad and triple axels are some of the best in the world, and I expect him to rise to contender status in the next couple of years.
3.) Jeremy Abbott - I also did not expect him to podium after his disastrous free skate at US nationals, but I'm glad he proved me wrong. Even though he did not land the quad, I'm glad he tried it because if he wants to be successful in the coming seasons, he is going to need it. This was a nice ending to his season, and I am glad he was able to medal here.
But I am sad for Taka :( at least he came back in the LP, but I fear he peaked at TEB...
Ladies:
1.) Miki Ando - Her programs this year are very elegant and mature, which suits her style well. Although I wish the 5 jumping passes in the LP were a little more broken up, I enjoyed her performances and note the efforts she has made to improve her stretch and in between movements. Also, he SP could have more of an opening instead of just skating into the lutz combo. Her jumps were clean, high, and well-executed with secure landings (especially the solo 3T in the LP). The only thing I think she should change is the combo in her SP. I saw a practice video of a clean 3S+3Lo, so she could do that and a solo 3Lz to maximize points in the SP. Also, her 2A+3T is very secure, so I bet she could do a 3Lz+3T, which would also add more points.
2.) Mao Asada - I am a fan so I was VERY happy with her performances, especially the LP. However, there are still some issues. First of all, her SP is...well she can do A LOT better. Something needs to change, else she has to skate the freaking lights out for it to be effective. The music just drones and slows her down, and it doesn't even draw the audience in like other heavy music she has skated to (Bells, Masquerade). On the other hand, her LP is just beautiful. I loved it before, but it is even better now. I love the added transitions in and out of the lutz, but she needs to add speed before both of her flip combos and her spiral. On the sal, she just got anxious and released her left side, causing her to rotate outside of the circle which is why it was fugly. Her 3A was the best one she has done since 2008 4CC. Overall, this was a good step for her, and without the three errors she made in the second half, she shouldn't have a problem beating Miki even with 2 errors in the SP.
Even with the mistakes, this is the program I cannot stop watching. Just the hesitations in the movements and the comfort with the choreo/music make me feel at ease. :)
3.) Mirai Nagasu - I knew it would be either her or Alissa, but I am glad it was Mirai as this is her final competition of the season. She skated a great LP, and I like parts of it, but on the whole it could be constructed better. For example, the ChSp should be where the arabesque spiral is, and the two spins at the end don't work for me either. I just think she can do better, and am excited for her to get new programs next year. I hope she skates to something more mature, but not overused - something on the lines of Miki's music.
I thought it was interesting that the entire Ladies podium was of Japanese heritage! Very pretty picture, but they all have very unique looks - Mao traditional, Miki sexy, Mirai cute.
I do have a few thoughts on the competition, though.
First of all, almost all of my predictions were wrong. The only one that was close was my ladies prediction. That just goes to show that ice is slippery. :)
Mens:
1.) Daisuke Takahasi - I like the new changes in his LP and his new FUSp. His triple axels were also GORGEOUS here. I saw him land a couple of nice quads in practice, so hopefully that will be back in time for worlds to defend his title against Chan. His camel positions still need improvement, but the programs were, in general, the best he's done all season.
2.) Yuzuru Hanyu - I was not expecting him to medal AT ALL. He usually has trouble sustaining energy throughout his LP, but he held it together this time! His quad and triple axels are some of the best in the world, and I expect him to rise to contender status in the next couple of years.
3.) Jeremy Abbott - I also did not expect him to podium after his disastrous free skate at US nationals, but I'm glad he proved me wrong. Even though he did not land the quad, I'm glad he tried it because if he wants to be successful in the coming seasons, he is going to need it. This was a nice ending to his season, and I am glad he was able to medal here.
But I am sad for Taka :( at least he came back in the LP, but I fear he peaked at TEB...
Ladies:
1.) Miki Ando - Her programs this year are very elegant and mature, which suits her style well. Although I wish the 5 jumping passes in the LP were a little more broken up, I enjoyed her performances and note the efforts she has made to improve her stretch and in between movements. Also, he SP could have more of an opening instead of just skating into the lutz combo. Her jumps were clean, high, and well-executed with secure landings (especially the solo 3T in the LP). The only thing I think she should change is the combo in her SP. I saw a practice video of a clean 3S+3Lo, so she could do that and a solo 3Lz to maximize points in the SP. Also, her 2A+3T is very secure, so I bet she could do a 3Lz+3T, which would also add more points.
2.) Mao Asada - I am a fan so I was VERY happy with her performances, especially the LP. However, there are still some issues. First of all, her SP is...well she can do A LOT better. Something needs to change, else she has to skate the freaking lights out for it to be effective. The music just drones and slows her down, and it doesn't even draw the audience in like other heavy music she has skated to (Bells, Masquerade). On the other hand, her LP is just beautiful. I loved it before, but it is even better now. I love the added transitions in and out of the lutz, but she needs to add speed before both of her flip combos and her spiral. On the sal, she just got anxious and released her left side, causing her to rotate outside of the circle which is why it was fugly. Her 3A was the best one she has done since 2008 4CC. Overall, this was a good step for her, and without the three errors she made in the second half, she shouldn't have a problem beating Miki even with 2 errors in the SP.
Even with the mistakes, this is the program I cannot stop watching. Just the hesitations in the movements and the comfort with the choreo/music make me feel at ease. :)
3.) Mirai Nagasu - I knew it would be either her or Alissa, but I am glad it was Mirai as this is her final competition of the season. She skated a great LP, and I like parts of it, but on the whole it could be constructed better. For example, the ChSp should be where the arabesque spiral is, and the two spins at the end don't work for me either. I just think she can do better, and am excited for her to get new programs next year. I hope she skates to something more mature, but not overused - something on the lines of Miki's music.
I thought it was interesting that the entire Ladies podium was of Japanese heritage! Very pretty picture, but they all have very unique looks - Mao traditional, Miki sexy, Mirai cute.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Watch Out
Russian Junior Nationals happened a couple of weeks ago, but I didn't get a chance to watch any of the videos until today. After watching Elizaveta's performance in the long program I have two words: watch out. She reminds me of Miki Ando - all season she has struggled with the SP, but comes back strong to land many triples in the free. Also, her jumps are big and she has great picking technique on her toe jumps - something that should stay with her as she grows. However, her program is just awful. The same two measures of this waltz repeat over and over and OVER again, AND this is her second season with this program. Her memoirs of a Geisha program from 2 years ago was SO much better than this, and I can't wait for her to get a new program. Someone like Lepisto with a great LP can afford to keep their program for two seasons. This one just needs to go.
Anyway, in her LP at Russian Juniors she landed: 3Lz+3T, 3Lz, 3F, 2A+3T, 3Lo (scratchy), 3S+2T+2Lo, 2A tano. Although her spins need work, it was impressive, and the speed she carries into her lutz jumps is great. If her packaging improves, she can be a real threat on the senior stage in the next couple of years. Although I personally prefer Adelina's classical style right now, this little girl can change that.
Anyway, in her LP at Russian Juniors she landed: 3Lz+3T, 3Lz, 3F, 2A+3T, 3Lo (scratchy), 3S+2T+2Lo, 2A tano. Although her spins need work, it was impressive, and the speed she carries into her lutz jumps is great. If her packaging improves, she can be a real threat on the senior stage in the next couple of years. Although I personally prefer Adelina's classical style right now, this little girl can change that.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Four Continents Predictions
Pairs:
1.) Pang/Tong - they should have no problem winning here, but they should look to skate good, clean performances as a lead up to worlds.
2.) Takahashi/Tran - I really like this team, and if they skate two clean programs, I think they should be able to make the podium.
3.) Yankowskas/Coughlin if they skate like Nationals. Their LP was emotionally and technically impressive. If she lands her throws cleanly, they should do well here.
Dance:
1.) Davis/White, obviously, but I hope they get some rest before this competition. They looked tired at Nationals, and I don't want them to be burnt out by worlds.
2.) Virtue/Moir, but they are a question mark - could be great, could need work, no one knows.
3.) Crone/Poirier, but there will be competition from the Shibutanis. I really like both of these teams' programs this season, and I wish they could both be on the podium, but there are only three spaces. It will go to whoever skates clean and gets their levels.
Men:
1.) Kozuka - he is the most consistent, and takes advantage when others falter. Hopefully he will land his quad in the LP. I expect he will be second or third after the SP, and quietly come from behind in the LP when no one is looking and kick everyone's butts! (GO TEAM SATO!!)
2.) Rippon - he has something to prove after placing 5th at Nationals. This was his best event last year, and I think he will want to defend his title :)
3.) Takahashi - will probably win the SP, but make many small errors in the LP, dropping down to third. If he goes for the quad flip, he will most likely be third, as it will be <<.
Ladies:
1.) Asada - she is on the upswing and has her confidence back. If she trusts herself, she should have no problem winning. I hope she nails her triple axels and goes for a triple-triple combo! (GO TEAM SATO!!)
2.) Ando - she has been skating solid LPs all season, and her SP is an improvement from whatever the hell she had on the GPS. If she lands all her jumps, she has high enough technical content and GOEs (which I may not agree with) to place above Csizny's high PCS.
3.) Czisny - this is her year, but if she falters, Nagasu has something to prove after placing 3rd at Nationals. This spot is up for grabs, and whoever skates clean can take it. If the favorites bomb and Phaneuf goes clean (LOL!) she could sneak in their for a medal.
1.) Pang/Tong - they should have no problem winning here, but they should look to skate good, clean performances as a lead up to worlds.
2.) Takahashi/Tran - I really like this team, and if they skate two clean programs, I think they should be able to make the podium.
3.) Yankowskas/Coughlin if they skate like Nationals. Their LP was emotionally and technically impressive. If she lands her throws cleanly, they should do well here.
Dance:
1.) Davis/White, obviously, but I hope they get some rest before this competition. They looked tired at Nationals, and I don't want them to be burnt out by worlds.
2.) Virtue/Moir, but they are a question mark - could be great, could need work, no one knows.
3.) Crone/Poirier, but there will be competition from the Shibutanis. I really like both of these teams' programs this season, and I wish they could both be on the podium, but there are only three spaces. It will go to whoever skates clean and gets their levels.
Men:
1.) Kozuka - he is the most consistent, and takes advantage when others falter. Hopefully he will land his quad in the LP. I expect he will be second or third after the SP, and quietly come from behind in the LP when no one is looking and kick everyone's butts! (GO TEAM SATO!!)
2.) Rippon - he has something to prove after placing 5th at Nationals. This was his best event last year, and I think he will want to defend his title :)
3.) Takahashi - will probably win the SP, but make many small errors in the LP, dropping down to third. If he goes for the quad flip, he will most likely be third, as it will be <<.
Ladies:
1.) Asada - she is on the upswing and has her confidence back. If she trusts herself, she should have no problem winning. I hope she nails her triple axels and goes for a triple-triple combo! (GO TEAM SATO!!)
2.) Ando - she has been skating solid LPs all season, and her SP is an improvement from whatever the hell she had on the GPS. If she lands all her jumps, she has high enough technical content and GOEs (which I may not agree with) to place above Csizny's high PCS.
3.) Czisny - this is her year, but if she falters, Nagasu has something to prove after placing 3rd at Nationals. This spot is up for grabs, and whoever skates clean can take it. If the favorites bomb and Phaneuf goes clean (LOL!) she could sneak in their for a medal.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Going Through Withdrawal
With all of the excitement of the last couple of weeks, some of you may be experiencing some symptoms of withdrawal. Fear not, as I am too, but this weekend is the perfect time to catch up on great performances of the season you haven't had time to see, and re-watch some of the season's best performances.
If you missed out on Europeans, or would like to revisit Sarah Meier's fabulous goodbye skate, this channel has many of the Ladies' programs. This channel has all disciplines, but not as many lower-ranked skaters.
For US Nationals, this channel has many of the programs, but if you subscribe to IceNetwork, you can watch there.
The 7th Asian Winter games took place this past week in Kazakhstan. You can watch the top performances here. Kanako Murakami won the ladies event convincingly, and if she keeps up her level of training she could be a spoiler for the bronze at worlds. Haruka Imai seems to have recovered from a disappointing Japanese Nationals to skate her best long program of the season and take the silver. Min-jung Kwak has also recovered from a shaky grand prix series with two respectable programs, but she needs to add back the loop and do at least a double axel-triple toe, if not a triple-triple, if she wants to follow in Yu-na's footsteps. Denis Ten also recovered from a...uh...not his best GPS and won the gold at home. Takahito Mura claimed second and Nan Song finished third.
The Winter Universiade competition also took place this weekend. Nobunari Oda competed, but did not try the quad in either of his programs. Although he won, that will not be enough at worlds when he faces Takahashi, Kozuka, Chan, etc. He needs to add the quad back if he wants to challenge for a medal.
If you are looking to revisit some of the more memorable performances of the season, here are some links.
Adelina Sotnikova
Nobunari Oda
Jeremy Abbott
Adam Rippon
Armin Mahbanoozadeh
Mao Asada
Alissa Czisny
Mirai Nagasu
Takahiko Kozuka
Daisuke Takahashi
Florent Amodio
Tomas Verner
Carolina Kostner
Kiira Korpi
Michal Brezina
Sarah Meier
If you missed out on Europeans, or would like to revisit Sarah Meier's fabulous goodbye skate, this channel has many of the Ladies' programs. This channel has all disciplines, but not as many lower-ranked skaters.
For US Nationals, this channel has many of the programs, but if you subscribe to IceNetwork, you can watch there.
The 7th Asian Winter games took place this past week in Kazakhstan. You can watch the top performances here. Kanako Murakami won the ladies event convincingly, and if she keeps up her level of training she could be a spoiler for the bronze at worlds. Haruka Imai seems to have recovered from a disappointing Japanese Nationals to skate her best long program of the season and take the silver. Min-jung Kwak has also recovered from a shaky grand prix series with two respectable programs, but she needs to add back the loop and do at least a double axel-triple toe, if not a triple-triple, if she wants to follow in Yu-na's footsteps. Denis Ten also recovered from a...uh...not his best GPS and won the gold at home. Takahito Mura claimed second and Nan Song finished third.
The Winter Universiade competition also took place this weekend. Nobunari Oda competed, but did not try the quad in either of his programs. Although he won, that will not be enough at worlds when he faces Takahashi, Kozuka, Chan, etc. He needs to add the quad back if he wants to challenge for a medal.
If you are looking to revisit some of the more memorable performances of the season, here are some links.
Adelina Sotnikova
Nobunari Oda
Jeremy Abbott
Adam Rippon
Armin Mahbanoozadeh
Mao Asada
Alissa Czisny
Mirai Nagasu
Takahiko Kozuka
Daisuke Takahashi
Florent Amodio
Tomas Verner
Carolina Kostner
Kiira Korpi
Michal Brezina
Sarah Meier
Thursday, February 3, 2011
New Meat Pick of the Day - February 3
Hehe new meat:) I really like some new up-and-comers, and in some cases I prefer them to the old guys.
I really like Ross Miner a lot, and not just because he was the best dressed of the mens event :) He also has strong basics and a nice spread eagle section in this program! I will be rooting for him at worlds...
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
I know you are reading this...
I know you are reading my blog.
I would appreciate some feedback - it is my first blog and it is fairly new and I haven't gotten much feedback. I give my opinions, and I know people look at my posts, but there are hardly ever any comments. I know not everyone completely agrees with every word I write!
I would appreciate some feedback - it is my first blog and it is fairly new and I haven't gotten much feedback. I give my opinions, and I know people look at my posts, but there are hardly ever any comments. I know not everyone completely agrees with every word I write!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
U.S. Nationals - Mens LP
First of all, I would like to start by saying this was a great competition, with near clean performances from many of the top skaters. I was so impressed by the level of competition and the way the up-and-comers skated tonight. It really shows the depth and future of men's skating.
Adam Rippon - starts by stepping out of his triple axel, but was nearly perfect throughout the rest. His second 3A was a beauty, and his only other mistake was on the three jump combination. Like his training partner Gao, he got a little too close to the boards. His spins were solid, and his interpretation was really nice. It's unfortunate he bombed the SP, as his PCS were most likely lower than if he was skating in the last group. 153.78
Richard Dornbush - Great interpretation, doesn't look juniorish at all even though he was on the JGP circuit this year! He is really the future. His triple axels were beautiful, and he did not take one wrong step the entire program. Good PCS for a relative unknown in the second last group. He deserves to go to worlds after this performance, and I think he should go to gain the international experience. 157.85, and he wins the FS overall!
Armin Mahbanoozadeh - Looks nervous - I would be too after hearing those scores Dornbush got. Lands the lutz, which he fell on in the SP. Great transitions and choreo in between the elements. More of an introverted style than Dornbush. He is another up-and-comer to look forward to in the future. I really like his second flip out of the spread eagle and his choreo steps. Unfortunately, his poor short program held him back. 148.28. I think the PCS were a little low compared to the previous two men.
Ross Miner - I like his outfit. Interesting to start with the step sequence, but it sets the mood for the program. Nice 3A and Lutz combo! Wow another clean skate from a future contender (internationally - he is already a contender nationally). I really like his elegance and poise throughout the program. He is a well rounded skater, and I think he will really make a splash in the future! 156.36.
Jeremy Abbott - Beautiful interpretation but his worst skate of the season. He didn't even hold his spins. I am upset, and I hope he comes back next year even if he doesn't get the international assignments he was hoping for. This competition reminds me of the Ladies LP at 2008 Nationals, with the up-and-comers all skating great programs and Kimmie falling off the podium. I just hope Jeremy pulls an Alissa and gets himself together for next season with a new outlook. 145.77, PCS saved him.
Ryan Bradley - Down on both quads (sort of), which were under rotated but not judged as such. Even Scott noticed. Nice save on the 3A+3T, but he is SLOW. He will not receive these types of scores internationally, and if it wasn't for his lead in the SP, Dornbush would be the US champion. 151.51
I did not comment on Douglas Razzano or Keegan Messing, as I don't have much to say about their skating. I think Richard, Ross, Armin, and Adam has more potential and more to bring than either of these two men.
Overall this was the most unpredictable Nationals in recent history, and I really wonder who will get what assignments.
Adam Rippon - starts by stepping out of his triple axel, but was nearly perfect throughout the rest. His second 3A was a beauty, and his only other mistake was on the three jump combination. Like his training partner Gao, he got a little too close to the boards. His spins were solid, and his interpretation was really nice. It's unfortunate he bombed the SP, as his PCS were most likely lower than if he was skating in the last group. 153.78
Richard Dornbush - Great interpretation, doesn't look juniorish at all even though he was on the JGP circuit this year! He is really the future. His triple axels were beautiful, and he did not take one wrong step the entire program. Good PCS for a relative unknown in the second last group. He deserves to go to worlds after this performance, and I think he should go to gain the international experience. 157.85, and he wins the FS overall!
Armin Mahbanoozadeh - Looks nervous - I would be too after hearing those scores Dornbush got. Lands the lutz, which he fell on in the SP. Great transitions and choreo in between the elements. More of an introverted style than Dornbush. He is another up-and-comer to look forward to in the future. I really like his second flip out of the spread eagle and his choreo steps. Unfortunately, his poor short program held him back. 148.28. I think the PCS were a little low compared to the previous two men.
Ross Miner - I like his outfit. Interesting to start with the step sequence, but it sets the mood for the program. Nice 3A and Lutz combo! Wow another clean skate from a future contender (internationally - he is already a contender nationally). I really like his elegance and poise throughout the program. He is a well rounded skater, and I think he will really make a splash in the future! 156.36.
Jeremy Abbott - Beautiful interpretation but his worst skate of the season. He didn't even hold his spins. I am upset, and I hope he comes back next year even if he doesn't get the international assignments he was hoping for. This competition reminds me of the Ladies LP at 2008 Nationals, with the up-and-comers all skating great programs and Kimmie falling off the podium. I just hope Jeremy pulls an Alissa and gets himself together for next season with a new outlook. 145.77, PCS saved him.
Ryan Bradley - Down on both quads (sort of), which were under rotated but not judged as such. Even Scott noticed. Nice save on the 3A+3T, but he is SLOW. He will not receive these types of scores internationally, and if it wasn't for his lead in the SP, Dornbush would be the US champion. 151.51
I did not comment on Douglas Razzano or Keegan Messing, as I don't have much to say about their skating. I think Richard, Ross, Armin, and Adam has more potential and more to bring than either of these two men.
Overall this was the most unpredictable Nationals in recent history, and I really wonder who will get what assignments.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
U.S. Nationals - Ladies LP Part 2
The final two groups were broadcasted on NBC, so the general public got to see a range of performances.
Alexe Gilles - Landed a lutz and a flip, the rest of the program was not so good. Her skating and spins were WAY too slow for someone competing on the GPS, and I don't think she will be given two assignments next year based on this years' results. 76.00
Caroline Zhang - Looking slimmer in her new costume, which is much more flattering for her body type. Nice triple flip combo to start, followed by a couple of falls, a couple of slowish spins, a nice triple loop double axel sequence, and a spiral. She makes another mistake by popping open the second flip, and it looks like it hurt. She may want to consider changing that into a triple toe, seeing as she is not doing triple triple combos now. She lands a nice three jump combo, does some stuff going 5 mph, and ends with a fast layback including a pearl. She started off slightly faster than before, but her components reflect the fact she has no transitions in her programs. 92.47
Joelle Forte - Lands an impressive number of triple jumps, but her program was terribly boring. 102.25.
Yasmin Siraj - Girl needs to eat something. It is gross. She lands some stuff, but her skating looks weird because she is so gangly. 102.56.
Morgan Bell - This was her first senior nationals, and it was clear she was feeling the pressure of making the top 10. Not her best. 69.84.
Ashley Wagner - Looks confident before the program. Starts off strong with a triple flip double toe, followed by a double axel triple toe that was two footed and under rotated. She comes back strong with a huge triple lutz, but she didn't hold the edge like she did in the SP. Combo spin, spiral, fast death drop. She is really attacking the choreo and interpreting the music - she is giving it everything she has, knowing it is probably her last performance of the season. Nice triple loop combo and triple sal, but a little under rotated on the solo triple loop and gets too close to the boards on the flip. OK footwork, solid positions in final spin. I wish she would attack the SP the way she does it in the LP, because she has to dig herself out of a hole every time, and this time, it wasn't enough. 110.73.
Vanessa Lam - Nice triple lutz combo to start, followed by a flip. She does not have the maturity of Ashley or Alissa, but she is landing the jumps. Great layback and combination spins, but she could use more speed going in to her jumps. Her lutzes looked borderline flutz to me, but they weren't called. 105.30.
Agnes Zawadzki - She is slow. I don't know how she pulls off these jumps from a standstill. Good jumps, nice spins, etc., but she just isn't memorable yet. She needs more power and speed behind her skating. She needs to switch coaches ASAP if she wants to emerge as a frontrunner. 112.30.
Christina Gao - She is fast. She can pull off some of these jumps because she carries speed throughout her program very well. Her double axel was much better than the SP. Her spins and stretch still need improvement, though, and her final position in her combo spin needs to go. It was unfortunate when she hit the camera, but she recovered nicely. 108.77.
Alissa Czisny - Triple lutz double toe, triple flip, gorgeous movements and interpretation to the music, triple toe combo, flying camel. What a nice opening! Fall out of the loop, but she recovers with another lutz in combo and lands her toe and axel. She needs to place her spiral in the center for a better effect, and should only do the arabesque position. Her spins were in a class of their own, but she really needs to ditch the classic layback position because she doesn't go back flat, causing her to lose a level. If she goes straight to the side, she still gets a level four. 128.74.
Mirai Nagasu - looks nervous. Tight on lutz combo, double axel double toe, triple flip possibly under rotated. Does her layback and her spiral, but she has done them better. Lutz is under rotated, followed by a nice toe in combination, and a spiral where the actual spiral sequence should be. Nice loop, footwork and ending spin, but makes stupid mistakes on her double axel and flying spin, gaining no credit for the spin. In the K&C, Carroll gets hit by a stuffed lion, and he is NOT happy. 113.91.
Rachael Flatt - Does the jumps, choreo is cringe-worthy as usual, as are the spins. Beats Mirai, blah, blah, blah, I am bitter. Hugely over scored on PCS - she is slow. 121.06 WTF. NO. Chan's score was more realistic than that. If anyone else had skated that program the way she did they would have scored about the same as Gao. Spins should count more than they do. I am upset.
Bitterness.
Alexe Gilles - Landed a lutz and a flip, the rest of the program was not so good. Her skating and spins were WAY too slow for someone competing on the GPS, and I don't think she will be given two assignments next year based on this years' results. 76.00
Caroline Zhang - Looking slimmer in her new costume, which is much more flattering for her body type. Nice triple flip combo to start, followed by a couple of falls, a couple of slowish spins, a nice triple loop double axel sequence, and a spiral. She makes another mistake by popping open the second flip, and it looks like it hurt. She may want to consider changing that into a triple toe, seeing as she is not doing triple triple combos now. She lands a nice three jump combo, does some stuff going 5 mph, and ends with a fast layback including a pearl. She started off slightly faster than before, but her components reflect the fact she has no transitions in her programs. 92.47
Joelle Forte - Lands an impressive number of triple jumps, but her program was terribly boring. 102.25.
Yasmin Siraj - Girl needs to eat something. It is gross. She lands some stuff, but her skating looks weird because she is so gangly. 102.56.
Morgan Bell - This was her first senior nationals, and it was clear she was feeling the pressure of making the top 10. Not her best. 69.84.
Ashley Wagner - Looks confident before the program. Starts off strong with a triple flip double toe, followed by a double axel triple toe that was two footed and under rotated. She comes back strong with a huge triple lutz, but she didn't hold the edge like she did in the SP. Combo spin, spiral, fast death drop. She is really attacking the choreo and interpreting the music - she is giving it everything she has, knowing it is probably her last performance of the season. Nice triple loop combo and triple sal, but a little under rotated on the solo triple loop and gets too close to the boards on the flip. OK footwork, solid positions in final spin. I wish she would attack the SP the way she does it in the LP, because she has to dig herself out of a hole every time, and this time, it wasn't enough. 110.73.
Vanessa Lam - Nice triple lutz combo to start, followed by a flip. She does not have the maturity of Ashley or Alissa, but she is landing the jumps. Great layback and combination spins, but she could use more speed going in to her jumps. Her lutzes looked borderline flutz to me, but they weren't called. 105.30.
Agnes Zawadzki - She is slow. I don't know how she pulls off these jumps from a standstill. Good jumps, nice spins, etc., but she just isn't memorable yet. She needs more power and speed behind her skating. She needs to switch coaches ASAP if she wants to emerge as a frontrunner. 112.30.
Christina Gao - She is fast. She can pull off some of these jumps because she carries speed throughout her program very well. Her double axel was much better than the SP. Her spins and stretch still need improvement, though, and her final position in her combo spin needs to go. It was unfortunate when she hit the camera, but she recovered nicely. 108.77.
Alissa Czisny - Triple lutz double toe, triple flip, gorgeous movements and interpretation to the music, triple toe combo, flying camel. What a nice opening! Fall out of the loop, but she recovers with another lutz in combo and lands her toe and axel. She needs to place her spiral in the center for a better effect, and should only do the arabesque position. Her spins were in a class of their own, but she really needs to ditch the classic layback position because she doesn't go back flat, causing her to lose a level. If she goes straight to the side, she still gets a level four. 128.74.
Mirai Nagasu - looks nervous. Tight on lutz combo, double axel double toe, triple flip possibly under rotated. Does her layback and her spiral, but she has done them better. Lutz is under rotated, followed by a nice toe in combination, and a spiral where the actual spiral sequence should be. Nice loop, footwork and ending spin, but makes stupid mistakes on her double axel and flying spin, gaining no credit for the spin. In the K&C, Carroll gets hit by a stuffed lion, and he is NOT happy. 113.91.
Rachael Flatt - Does the jumps, choreo is cringe-worthy as usual, as are the spins. Beats Mirai, blah, blah, blah, I am bitter. Hugely over scored on PCS - she is slow. 121.06 WTF. NO. Chan's score was more realistic than that. If anyone else had skated that program the way she did they would have scored about the same as Gao. Spins should count more than they do. I am upset.
Bitterness.
U.S. Nationals - Ladies LP
I will keep my negative comments to myself on the first warmup group. All I have to say is that I hope the rest of the competition is not ANYTHING like the first group. Also, I would like Tonia to STFU for 5 seconds and stop talking about herself. No-one cares.
Kristiene Gong - Looks fit, like the new under-the-boot tights look. Stood up on 6 triples, but a few were possibly under rotated. It's nice to see someone try and land more than one triple in the senior ladies event. Spins had good positions, but were a little slow. Frank Carroll is happy. 99.18 - I guess her triples were rotated.
Ellie Kawamura - Nice start, but the jumps fell apart after her first combination. Nice layback spin. Her skating looks heavy and labored - especially during her spiral sequence. Many double jumps after the half-way point. 76.75
Kelsey Traunero - Nice performance, including two triple flips, two triple sals, and two double axels. She fell once, and messed up on the second half of some combinations, but a solid performance overall. Nice spins and presentation. She looks happy. 86.02.
Melissa Bulanhagui - Strong start with the sal, lutz, and flip all landed. 3 jump combo looked under rotated on all three jumps, but next two triples look fine. This music is so over used, and there have been many interpretations better than hers. Overall, nice jumps, but spins, spirals, and steps could be improved. Very happy at the end. 99.17.
Danielle Kahle - Rough start with misses on all three opening jump elements. I like her dress - it's very elegant. Ends up landing two jumps cleanly - a triple toe and a double flip. Struggles on her final spin. Not her best. 71.74.
Kristine Musademba - Starts with a fall on an under rotated triple flip, flying sit spin, followed by another fall on a triple flip. Lands the sal and loop, but has to fight for them. Nice connections and speed throughout her spiral sequence, holds onto a triple toe. Combo spin done OK, another toe, no combo, almost falls on spin at the end. 76.59.
Kristiene Gong - Looks fit, like the new under-the-boot tights look. Stood up on 6 triples, but a few were possibly under rotated. It's nice to see someone try and land more than one triple in the senior ladies event. Spins had good positions, but were a little slow. Frank Carroll is happy. 99.18 - I guess her triples were rotated.
Ellie Kawamura - Nice start, but the jumps fell apart after her first combination. Nice layback spin. Her skating looks heavy and labored - especially during her spiral sequence. Many double jumps after the half-way point. 76.75
Kelsey Traunero - Nice performance, including two triple flips, two triple sals, and two double axels. She fell once, and messed up on the second half of some combinations, but a solid performance overall. Nice spins and presentation. She looks happy. 86.02.
Melissa Bulanhagui - Strong start with the sal, lutz, and flip all landed. 3 jump combo looked under rotated on all three jumps, but next two triples look fine. This music is so over used, and there have been many interpretations better than hers. Overall, nice jumps, but spins, spirals, and steps could be improved. Very happy at the end. 99.17.
Danielle Kahle - Rough start with misses on all three opening jump elements. I like her dress - it's very elegant. Ends up landing two jumps cleanly - a triple toe and a double flip. Struggles on her final spin. Not her best. 71.74.
Kristine Musademba - Starts with a fall on an under rotated triple flip, flying sit spin, followed by another fall on a triple flip. Lands the sal and loop, but has to fight for them. Nice connections and speed throughout her spiral sequence, holds onto a triple toe. Combo spin done OK, another toe, no combo, almost falls on spin at the end. 76.59.
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