The development of skating in Southeast Asia & OAS skater updates

Michael Martinez is not on the Four Continents Entry List, and we're not sure if Alexander Majorov is being sent to the Olympics. Lots of unknowns for the final berth in Pyeongchang.
 
Philippine Skating Union tweeted yesterday (re. their Olympic men's 1st alternate country spot following the news of Alexander Majorov not being selected by the Swedish Olympic Committee): https://twitter.com/phskating/status/955435123490488321
"We have yet to receive an official announcement or statement from the ISU or the Swedish federation concerning this. We will be posting an update once the situation has been clarified."

PSU congratulated Alisson Krystle Perticheto on their website after she attained the FS minimum scored she needed for 2018 Worlds at 2017 Nebelhorn Trophy: https://philippineskating.weebly.co...o-qualifies-for-2018-world-championships.html
Despite falling short on qualifying for the 2018 Winter Olympics at the Nebelhorn Trophy held last September 27-30 in Oberstdorf, Germany, reigning National Champion Alisson Krystle Perticheto managed to qualify for the upcoming 2018 World Figure Skating Championships. Finishing in 11th place overall, she achieved new personal bests for the Free Skating and overall score, and obtained the minimum qualifying technical score in the Free Skating for the World Championships.
Having already obtained the minimum qualifying score in the Short Program at the 2017 SEA Games, Perticheto has booked her ticket to her first-ever World Figure Skating Championships, which will be held in March 2018 in Milan, Italy.
Perticheto's appearance at Worlds will be the first by a Filipino lady in close to a decade, and the first since the minimum qualifying scores were introduced.
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Thanks to @nimi for this link (writeup of Martinez' phone interview, tweet linked above): https://sports.abs-cbn.com/generalsports/news/2018/01/25/michael-martinez-back-winter-olympics-36610
"I saw the message from the federation, they were like Michael you’re in. They sent me screencaps of the email saying ISU emailed us that you’re in and I’m like no way so like I rushed in the rink and told my coach [Viacheslav Zagorodniuk], were in we were all super happy about it," Martinez told ABS-CBN News' Steve Angeles in an interview.
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Julian Yee has posted a photo on his Instagram with this message: "What an honour to be at the Flag Handing Ceremony with the Olympic Council of Malaysia to receive the Jalur Gemilang as the Flag Bearer at the Games."
:)

Yee is one of two Malaysian winter Olympians and he is quoted in this AFP article: https://sports.yahoo.com/cool-runnings-too-malaysia-singapore-winter-olympics-053115047.html
Excerpts:
Figure skater Julian Yee, who will represent Malaysia at next month's Games, is typical of athletes from the region who have had to overcome a lack of facilities, limited official support and public scepticism to pursue their dreams.
When growing up, the only places he could find to practise were a handful of small, crowded rinks in the shopping malls scattered around the capital Kuala Lumpur.
Figure skating on the tiny rinks was "like trying to get an A380 (world's biggest airliner) to land on a very small runway", the 20-year-old told AFP.
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The Malaysian and Singaporean athletes join a small group of Southeast Asians heading to Pyeongchang, including several from Thailand and the Philippines.
No matter how well he does, Malaysian skater Yee said his qualification had already shown that athletes from the tropics can prove the doubters wrong.
"It really does show that many things are possible," he said. "Even without winter in Malaysia, we can still be there."
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Michael Christian Martinez is returning to his 2016-17 SP music for the Olympics: http://www.philstar.com/sports/2018/02/01/1783419/michael-martinez-adjusts-music-olympics
At Nebelhorn, Martinez performed to the music of “Carmina Burana” in the short program and “El Tango de Roxanne” from “Moulin Rouge” and “Tango de los Exilados” in freeskate. That was the same music he used in bagging the silver at the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur last year. Martinez said he’ll keep the music for freeskate but use “Emerald Tiger” by electric violinist Vanessa Mae in the short program. “Emerald Tiger” was the music he performed to in the short program the previous season.
“Honestly, when I received the message from the POC and the Philippine Skating Union from a group chat that I made it, I jumped out of my bed and screamed ‘What?’ ‘No!’ ‘Oh, my God!,’” said Martinez. “Those were my exact words and expressions I’ll never forget. I can’t believe I made it still. I was full of excitement and went off to practice feeling very motivated and told my coach (Vyacheslav Zagorodnyuk) the good news. My phone was bursting with messages, e-mails and calls. I thank God for giving me another chance.”
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In his second Winter Olympics, Martinez said he’s out to do his best ever performance. “I’m dedicating this to us Filipinos and especially the people who love me so much and have been there, no matter what I am going through in life,” he said. “Life is not easy and it never will be. I will be realizing my dreams again all because of every single person who is and was part of my life. My message to everyone in this lesson is don’t stop yourself from what you need to do just because it’s not going through as planned but just go and make new ways for you to realize your dreams and be where you want to be.”
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Update on Cambodia's national skating program - 2 articles:
April 12, 2018: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50302563/ice-skating-cambodia-style/
At Ice Park on the fourth floor of Aeon Mall, Cambodia’s national figure skating team wrapped up the first ever national competition last weekend.
American coach Rick Reyor, newly-installed head coach of Cambodia’s ice skating team, said despite the unique challenges facing the sport in the Kingdom, progress since the inauguration of the Cambodia Ice Skating Federation in 2015 had been promising.
The national figure skating team currently consists of nine skaters – thirteen in total including junior members and reserves. A further six athletes are training for short-track with an additional two not on the A team.
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March 5 article: https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50111780/cambodias-skaters-eyeing-success/
“We have a small number of donations but we do receive some help from the Government,” said Ms Sotheavy Long, Secretary-General of the Cambodia Ice Skating Federation. “We had a meeting with the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia just last month and it was presided over President Thong Khon. On the agenda we talked about issues with most centred around funding.”
Currently, the Federation receives no funding from the NOCC, although the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports does provide some help.
“Our electricity bill here totals around $20,000 per month and which is paid by our President, Mr Meng Hieng. And that’s before we can even think about hiring international coaches to provide training,” she explained. “Sponsors and donations are essential for us if we are to continue to provide training the first generation of Cambodian Winter Olympians.”
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Coach Reyor concedes there is much work to be done, but the groundwork laid by outgoing British coach Clair Ben Zina has made his job easier.
“[She was] phenomenal. From turning the whole programme around from just recreational to having goals and training facilities and schedules, to giving the kids actual Olympic dreams, he said. “But our big goal is for the 2023 SEA Games here in Phnom Penh, and is something which we are definitely pushing for. But for that, we need access to a full-size ice rink – the one we have here is not big enough. In the future, we need to take our teams abroad to further their training.”
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This article published today ("auto-generated from a syndicated feed") about a male skater from India who competed and won his category in the "Cambodia Open National Figure Skating Championship which was held in Phnom Pench from 4 to 7 April 2018" mentions at the end that the "Asian Open Figure Skating Championship [will take place] at Bangkok, Thailand from 1 - 5 August 2018": http://www.business-standard.com/ar...skating-championship-2018-118041200942_1.html
 
I've been reading on Facebook that Tzu Han Ting and her family had to fully pay her way from Taipei City to Paris to compete last week.

Let's just say the reaction was one of frustration with the Federation in not helping their students out with expenses.
 
Seerek said:
I've been reading on Facebook that Tzu Han Ting and her family had to fully pay her way from Taipei City to Paris to compete last week.

Let's just say the reaction was one of frustration with the Federation in not helping their students out with expenses.
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Many smaller federations are not in a position to support all the athletes who represent them in international competition. Unfortunately it is usually the case that they are trying to run things on very limited resources.
 
Speaking of smaller federations, here is an interesting 8-minute mini-documentary titled Made in Hong Kong: Figure Skater Harry Lee that illustrates one fed. "trying to run things on very limited resources" and the challenges faced by one athlete whose family cannot afford to send him abroad for full-time elite training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EaQ23WgUUQ

Hong Kong Nationals took place last week - results & protocols are posted in the Kiss & Cry section (currently open to all): https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...-20-21-hong-kong-4-24-25.103850/#post-5355679

Article on Yi Christy Leung who "On [Wednesday April 25], ... gave spectators a glimpse of her undeniable talent by streaking away to gold in the girls’ junior category at the Hong Kong Figure Skating Championships.": http://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong...medal-says-confident-christy-leung-hong-kongs
 
Sad news about Jessica Shuran Yu :(: https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/...gure-skating-champion-yu-shuran-retires-at-17
Singapore's first SEA Games winter sports champion Yu Shuran has retired from competitive figure skating at age 17 due to medical reasons.
...
"I finally had the difficult conversation with my federation, and as of now I am officially retired from competitive skating."
Shuran won gold at last year's SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, the first time winter sports featured at the biennial Games.
She also last year became the first Singaporean to qualify for the World Figure Skating Championships in Helsinki in March 2017.
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"Skating has brought me some incredibly difficult challenges. I had no idea how it would force me to grow in so many ways but it has always been worth it. I want to say to all young athletes that I know there are times when you may be exhausted, or in a lot of pain, or burnt out and questioning all your sacrifices, but I promise that each and every challenge can be conquered.
"I am not sure yet the exact ways I can continue to be a part of this sport but I know that I want to contribute as much as possible for as long as possible. Being an athlete has been all I've ever known but I'm excited for the opportunity to take on other roles. I would love to help out kids back in Singapore to develop their talent.
"Unfortunately, I have not been on the ice since I got sick but I plan to try skating again very soon. I am not sure what I will be able to handle, but if possible, I would love to coach."
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Sylvia said:
Article on Yi Christy Leung who "On [Wednesday April 25], ... gave spectators a glimpse of her undeniable talent by streaking away to gold in the girls’ junior category at the Hong Kong Figure Skating Championships.": http://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong...medal-says-confident-christy-leung-hong-kongs
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New season update: After finishing 4th (161.01) in her ISU Challenger debut earlier this month at the Asian Open Trophy, Yi Christy Leung skated an impressive FS (5th) at the JGP in Bratislava earlier today, landing 6 of 7 triples cleanly, incl. 3Lz+3T: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyS1-ApOAxQ
She finished 4th overall (177.22) - here's her 4th place SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJea-pEYdj4
Shae-Lynn Bourne choreographed her FS to "Breath of Life" by Florence and the Machine and Rohene Ward her "Scene d'amour" SP. Leung has relocated with Tammy Gambill to Colorado Springs and Tom Zakrajsek was in the kiss & cry with them in Bratislava.
 
Re-posting from the Grand Prix Assignments thread because I'm pretty sure the answer is yes (Julian Yee has picked up Rostelecom Cup as a 2nd GP to go with his initial Skate America invitation):
binbinwinwin said:
Is Julian getting 2 GP assignments a first for a Southeast Asian skater?
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Looking forward to Julian's GP debut! :)

ETA reply from the same thread:
SamuraiK said:
Yes, Michael Martinez qualified during the 2015 and 2016 seasons but only had 1 event in each.
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Mandy competed at Southwest Regionals last season in Novice.

It looked like it was Vera Arutyunyan who accompanied Mandy Chiang to Linz.
 
Seerek said:
Mandy competed at Southwest Regionals last season in Novice.
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Mandy Chiang placed 6th in Novice Ladies at SWP Regionals in October 2017 (2nd alternate to Pacific Coast Sectionals). Link to her ISU bio: http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00106187.htm
Arutunians and Artemovs (latter are based in Dallas, TX area) are listed as her current coaches. Her 9th place SP in Linz (3Lz<+2T, 3F, 2A): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df0_dO-bP1M

ETA:

Copying over (from the Kiss & Cry section) the top 4 results of TPE Nationals Junior Ladies in late July 2018:
1 Tzu-Han TING TPE 135.94 1 1 SP (51.70): 3Lz(1)+3T<, 3F & 2S; FS (84.24) - 4 clean triples landed: 3S+3T, 3Lz(e)-, 3F+2T+2Lo<<, 3Lz(e)-, 3F<, 3Lo & 2A
2 Mandy CHIANG TPE 119.08 2 2 FS (75.15): landed 3Lz, 3F, 2A+2T & 2A
3 Megan LY TPE 95.16 6 3
4 Yu-Hsun LIN TPE 92.37 8 4 (assigned to JGP in Vancouver; she trains in the area): http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00101467.htm

I assume Tzu-Han Ting's 13th birthday is after July 1/not old enough for JGP/ISU Junior this season? (like Alysa Liu)

Senior TPE champions are Chih-I TSAO (163.19) and Amy LIN (127.78).
 
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Sylvia said:
New season update: After finishing 4th (161.01) in her ISU Challenger debut earlier this month at the Asian Open Trophy, Yi Christy Leung skated an impressive FS (5th) at the JGP in Bratislava earlier today, landing 6 of 7 triples cleanly, incl. 3Lz+3T: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyS1-ApOAxQ
She finished 4th overall (177.22) - here's her 4th place SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJea-pEYdj4
Shae-Lynn Bourne choreographed her FS to "Breath of Life" by Florence and the Machine and Rohene Ward her "Scene d'amour" SP. Leung has relocated with Tammy Gambill to Colorado Springs and Tom Zakrajsek was in the kiss & cry with them in Bratislava.
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Florence program!!! By Shae-Lynn!!!! :inavoid: And that bedazzled Elvira DRESS with that goth queen make-up, holy shit there's a diva in the making, here, if she can just put a bit more passion into her interpretation!
 
Michael Christian Martinez is visiting his homeland right now (until Oct. 17) and will be taking a break from competition: http://www.bworldonline.com/filipino-olympian-figure-skater-michael-martinez-pauses-to-take-stock/
“Following the Olympics, I came back here and then went back to the States. From then on I really took a break. I did not train, did not do much blogging and all those stuff. I have been skating almost nonstop since I was eight years old, 2005, training and competing. So I felt I needed a break,” Mr. Martinez said.
...
Back in the Philippines just this week, the Olympian is focusing on exploring the opportunities he has here, citing brand endorsing and modelling as some of the things he is open to doing.
“So right now my focus here in the Philippines is to explore other opportunities, maybe getting endorsements, being a social media influencer, perhaps,” he said.
He did not say for how long he would be on a break, mentioning that other top figure skaters had also at one point in their careers took a back step, but nonetheless expressed excitement over the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in 2019 and the possibility of competing in there.
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Some developments

Edrian Celestino appears to be switching from Canada to Philippines after competing at their nationals.

Allison Petricheto won Bosphorus Cup.

Christy Leung was 6th in Tallinn.
 
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