Can Hanyu and Murakami make the world team this year & if so, who would they replace?

[pinky166]

I think Imai skates completely though the music and her arms need major work.

But she has tons of potential, but she's not there yet.

I like Imai but I actually think Risa Shoji will overshadow her soon, although due to her birthday (July 5, 1996) she won't be eligible for senior events until the 2012-2013 season. That being said I think a Junior Worlds team of Imai, Shoji and Tomatako could bring home very good results.

[burntBREAD]

I like Imai but I actually think Risa Shoji will overshadow her soon, although due to her birthday (July 5, 1996) she won't be eligible for senior events until the 2012-2013 season. That being said I think a Junior Worlds team of Imai, Shoji and Tomatako could bring home very good results.

Risa's jump technique is less than solid. Gosh, so many of these Japanese girls are so talented but have less than solid technique, it's really unfortunate..

[PUNKPRINCESS]

Risa's jump technique is less than solid. Gosh, so many of these Japanese girls are so talented but have less than solid technique, it's really unfortunate..

Well, the American girls aren't much better off. The best technicians tend to be Russians.

[burntBREAD]

Well, the American girls aren't much better off. The best technicians tend to be Russians.

You're right. Though the Russians are lacking in packaging and non-jump refinement. Can't there be a combination?!

[pinky166]

Risa's jump technique is less than solid. Gosh, so many of these Japanese girls are so talented but have less than solid technique, it's really unfortunate..

She has an awful flutz and some of her technique is iffy but at least she gets lot of height on her jumps, which bodes well for the future when she grows.

[NMURA]

She has an awful flutz and some of her technique is iffy but at least she gets lot of height on her jumps, which bodes well for the future when she grows.

Shoji's flutz is not awful. Actually her edges of both Lz and F are "flat" and that's why sometimes she receives "e" on both jumps.

[Allen]

Well, the American girls aren't much better off. The best technicians tend to be Russians.

I'm pretty sure I've seen some raggedy technique from Russian skaters as well.

[pinky166]

Shoji's flutz is not awful. Actually her edges of both Lz and F are "flat" and that's why sometimes she receives "e" on both jumps.

I didn't mean deep inside edge so much as just a swingy entrance to that jump in general.

[chipso1]

I'm pretty sure I've seen some raggedy technique from Russian skaters as well.

ITA. Ksenia Doronina, anyone?

[pinky166]

ITA. Ksenia Doronina, anyone?

Or Anna Ovcharova. I love that girl dearly, and she is fantastic, but her jumps are very weird looking.