2019 Japan Open, October 5 + Carnival on Ice gala

[starrynight]

I suspect for Zagitova, the fact the Medvedeva vs Eteri vs Zagitova stuff is over and that she is not expected to win every time she skates is making a big difference. In many ways the pressure is off.

I had been wondering if the quad girls would be pressuring Zagitova. But it kind of seems like the opposite - if anything they are taking the heat and pressure now and the force of fans' expectations, leaving Zagitova to do her thing.

 

[zoe111]

I just watched Alina. I cannot believe she got 74 PCS for that. If you ask me, she had better skating skills two years ago when she was skating to Don Quixote. I'm sorry, she seems like a sweet girl and I like her as a person, but just, no.

You may fire when ready, angry hordes.

So glad someone else said it first. I saw it and thought that should barely be in the mid 140s. Last year’s program was not my favourite but it was infinitely better than this.

 

[starrynight]

+10 PCS for not doing that thing where I've seen Eteri's girls come off the ice crying and looking terrified. lol

I think I'm starting to warm to Zagitova a bit because so much of the crazy surrounding the Eteri group has totally moved onto the new girls. So it's sort of a fresh start a bit. I hope it stays like this.

 

[Jammers]

While i'm not a big Zagitova fan the fact that she didn't take the money and run after winning the Olympics gets a up from me. Since Oksana in 1994 every young teenage female skater who won the Olympics has bailed out and never competed again but she not only came back last season and won Worlds but is still going strong and not showing any signs of retiring no matter what new phenom is coming up from Juniors.

 

[Dobre]

Since Oksana in 1994 every young teenage female skater who won the Olympics has bailed out and never competed again

Sarah Hughes competed and finished sixth at Worlds in 2003.

Adelina Sotnikova competed in 15-16 and medaled at Rostelecom before finishing sixth at Russian Nationals.

 

[Tinami Amori]

International judges' panel scores by placements (Canada giving Trusova the highest scores).

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[LoopCombo]

I just watched Alina. I cannot believe she got 74 PCS for that. If you ask me, she had better skating skills two years ago when she was skating to Don Quixote. I'm sorry, she seems like a sweet girl and I like her as a person, but just, no.

You may fire when ready, angry hordes.

I won't fire. I really like Alina, and her jumps look bigger and more secure so far than last year, but her flexibility looks to have decreased. I have not seen anyone mention this, and maybe it was just this performance, but is it possible she's added muscle and this has affected her flexibility? Last year, she had the absolute loveliest spin positions, whereas in this performance her flexibility was much more average. She finally held a spiral, but the position was not that impressive. I wish judges would give not just TES but also PCS based on what they actually see on the day, not based on what someone has been capable of in the past. Having said that, I like Alina's costume and program, and I am sure she's doing her best.

 

[Finsta]

Sarah Hughes competed and finished sixth at Worlds in 2003.

Adelina Sotnikova competed in 15-16 and medaled at Rostelecom before finishing sixth at Russian Nationals.

Thank you!

 

[starrynight]

International judges' panel scores by placements (Canada giving Trusova the highest scores).

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Discover the magic of the internet at Imgur, a community powered entertainment destination. Lift your spirits with funny jokes, trending memes, entertaining gifs, inspiring stories, viral videos, and so much more from users.

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And I see the Australian judge ranked Zagitova higher than Trusova. Interesting stuff.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I wish judges would give not just TES but also PCS based on what they actually see on the day, not based on what someone has been capable of in the past. Having said that, I like Alina's costume and program, and I am sure she's doing her best.

What proof do you have that the judges did not give her the scores based on "what they saw today"? you're own estimates? are you a judge? The scores are very close to what the all-russian judging panel gave Alina during test skates in an unofficial judging scores. These judges do not coordinate.....

 

[Jammers]

Sarah Hughes competed and finished sixth at Worlds in 2003.

Adelina Sotnikova competed in 15-16 and medaled at Rostelecom before finishing sixth at Russian Nationals.

They competed half hearted and you just knew they were not serious about continuing.

 

[Finsta]

They competed half hearted and you just knew they were not serious about continuing.

I think because so many loved Medvedeva and wanted her to win Olympics and then Zagitova bombed Worlds after Olympics that Alina felt she needed to prove herself that she was not a fluke. Maybe it was something she needed to prove for herself. But I doubt she wanted that awful Worlds performance to be what people remembered her for.

 

[Tinami Amori]

They competed half hearted and you just knew they were not serious about continuing.

I do not believe for a minute that Hughes and Sotnikova competed half-hearted.
Hughes just "grew a bit" because of her age... and it was harder for her.

Sarah Hughes USA - 2003 World Figure Skating Championships LP

QA : 6th, SP : 8th, LP : 6th, 6th place March 24th-30th, Washington, D.C., USA

www.youtube.com

And Sotnikova received so much negativity from "winning from Kim", including some Russians, that every event since Olympics was a chance to prove herself, but other factors played a role too..

 

[mtnskater]

I’m a big Shoma fan, but his new program concerns me. I thought the program didn’t suit him and doesn’t do him justice. With such mesmerizing skating skills he needs something to match them.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I’m a big Shoma fan, but his new program concerns me. I thought the program didn’t suit him and doesn’t do him justice. With such mesmerizing skating skills he needs something to match them.

My take on it: he is "searching". He is a high quality skater, and this is perhaps one season where he needs to try and experiment, or even do something "quick and easy" to figure out what to do for the next Olys.

His gracefulness and smoothness is still a highlight....

Japan Open 2019 Shoma Uno FS 宇野昌磨FS

www.youtube.com

 

[LoopCombo]

What proof do you have that the judges did not give her the scores based on "what they saw today"? you're own estimates? are you a judge? The scores are very close to what the all-russian judging panel gave Alina during test skates in an unofficial judging scores. These judges do not coordinate.....

I don't think there is any judging conspiracy, I am not worried about judges coordinating. I think that Alina is a very appealing skater, and I also thought that in this performance she did not look as flexible as I have seen her in the past. I have worked as a teacher, and I understand that human beings have a tendency to judge things based on what they expect as much as what they actually see. It happens in grading/marking -- so much that a good way to mark essays is actually to cover up the students' names. Another strategy is that term papers are sometimes marked by teachers/tutors who didn't actually teach the students whose essays they are marking. It's why academics have an examiner from both inside and outside their university when they defend their research thesis. It's that hard to be objective, and the same is true for figure skating. I'm sure it's an impossible task (my least favorite thing about teaching is the marking). I'm not a judge, I'm a fan, and by my very own estimates I saw less flexibility, less beautiful positions, but similarly high PCS scores. I didn't think Alina's positions were bad, just not as exceptional as last year, when I thought they were the absolute best in the field. As I said, I thought her jumps looked better today than last year. In terms of overall score, it probably just about evens out in the end. I don't need proof: people notice and care about different things: you, me, the judges, whoever. I have often thought that random people off the street who don't follow figure skating at all could probably just as accurately judge a figure skating competition, possibly better than professional judges. I would love to see this done sometime, and the results compared to the 'real' judges.

 

[LoopCombo]

I’m a big Shoma fan, but his new program concerns me. I thought the program didn’t suit him and doesn’t do him justice. With such mesmerizing skating skills he needs something to match them.

Agree 100%.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I don't need proof: people notice and care about different things: you, me, the judges, whoever.

Except that "the judges" have a rule book and training. When the same skater, for 2-3 years, receives PCS/TES on certain levels, from different panel of INTERNATIONAL judges, at different events, for several years, and yet "some people" keep complaining on and on, it is simply unreasonable, in general.

 

[LoopCombo]

Except that "the judges" have a rule book and training. When the same skater, for 2-3 years, receives PCS/TES on certain levels, from different panel of INTERNATIONAL judges, at different events, for several years, and yet "some people" keep complaining on and on, it is simply unreasonable, in general.

To be honest, I think that complaining and disagreement can be expected in any judged sport. There is no objective truth, even from trained professionals -- although I do agree that training and experience has value. However, the same can be said for the untrained eye: sometimes, like in The Emperor's New Clothes, an innocent can see what those who have been 'trained' cannot. The score is what it is: it is subjective but also definitive. People obviously win and lose based on judge evaluations. I enjoy that about figure skating, but I can also disagree with authority. I can even hope that Alina gets her flexibility back AND be her fan.

 

[barbk]

What happened to Nathan's hand?

 

[Brenda_Bottems]

Last season, when I saw Trusova come out in her size XXXXXS sci-fi catsuit and make alien gestures at the judges, I though that this is, for me, the end of ladies skating.

"Ladies" figure skating ended in the early nineties,dear.

Watching Trusova's performance, the one thing I miss from the 6.0 era was when a skater really sold a technical element. Meaning, this is difficult, and I'm really excited to have made it happen.

While her skating was a bit old school and slightly campy, I really enjoyed USA's Patricia Mansfield for this very reason.

Patricia Mansfield - 1995 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Ladies' Long Program

Providence, Rhode Island, USA - 1995 United States Figure Skating Championships, Ladies' Long Program - Patricia Mansfield moved up from 6th to 5th Place ove...

www.youtube.com

Pure class. I would prefer to watch Miss Mansfield over any of the "ladies" here. After all,even a little camp is preferable to the banal gymnastics routine that won gold here.

Sadly,figure skating and art became mutually exclusive with the abolishment of compulsory figures.

-BB

 

[babayaga]

I thought Alina was stunningly beautiful She grew up and looks like she is blossoming. She indeed seems like she gained weight which is probably mostly muscle, and her jumps are better than ever. I loved that she was full of confidence and just looked so happy to be skating. The program still somewhat looks like work in progress (probably due to a relatively late start of her preparation because of many summer shows), but I still enjoyed this performance very much. After how Alina's season unfolded last year (until worlds) I did not expect to see her in this shape at the start of this season at all.

 

[Wyliefan]

I hope Alina did gain some muscle. Darn good thing for a skater to have. And yes, she's very beautiful.

 

[umronnie]

I just watched Alina. I cannot believe she got 74 PCS for that. If you ask me, she had better skating skills two years ago when she was skating to Don Quixote. I'm sorry, she seems like a sweet girl and I like her as a person, but just, no.

You may fire when ready, angry hordes.

Honestly, after Satoko's skate, everyone else looked pedestrian and their programs empty. I mean, yeah, there were oriental arm gestures and random leg-lifts, but really there was almost nothing between jump elements. Not that I don't appreciate the technical difficulties in those jumps, but it seems like a travesty that their PCS were even in the same universe, not to say higher.

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

+10 PCS for not doing that thing where I've seen Eteri's girls come off the ice crying and looking terrified. lol

In those instances, Eteri had that scary look on her face which reminded me of a certain character from Seinfeld who would say, "No soup for you!"

 

[Foolhardy Ham Lint]

I just watched Alina. I cannot believe she got 74 PCS for that. If you ask me, she had better skating skills two years ago when she was skating to Don Quixote. I'm sorry, she seems like a sweet girl and I like her as a person, but just, no.

You may fire when ready, angry hordes.

By comparison, the Japanese ladies' PCS should be through the roof.

But as we all know, Russian I$U influence has receipts that may be traced to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in DC.

It's only fair, since Putin is such a big fan of Orange Julius.

 

[kalle]

Mirai! Obviously not in the same shape as during her Olympic season but after being away from the competetive stage for so long and recovering from the hip surgery, I thought this was a surprisingly good performance for her level. I think it shows the competetive spirit of an athlete when she could have prepared a 2-3 triples program but instead attempting a program with a full arsenal of jumps. I have no idea if she like this "semi retired" status or, if she would love to go for another Nationals? I suppose that if she want to try she would need to sign up for regionals (and that is perhaps too late already?). Mirai has always been a late bloomer so based on this performance and with another few months of training, she could potentially do very well if she wishes so. As a longtime fan, I would cheerish the moment if she went for another Nationals

Satoko! Every damn year, she put out spectacular programs and I cannot think about many top skaters that put their heart into their choregraphy as she does. This program is one of the finest I have ever seen (who did the choreo?) and for me, she is "one" with the ice..truly an artist and I would have given her the highest PCS despite the technical errors.

Trusova is a firecracker and obviously the opposite of a skater like Satoko
Hats off for all these amazing quads but lets keep it real, half of the program is non existent in terms of a real "program" and
although, there are a few "wow" moments, she still has her work cut out for her to reach let's say Alina's level. But no doubt she must be an extremely hard worker and for sure, it does seems as she will be this seasons phenomen on the GP circuit!

Rikas program is growing a lot on me and she is such an interesting skater! The 3A's just beautiful but it is really not the all about those. Fantastic choregraphy and the complexity is quite something. I know there is a big "if" but if she manage to add a 4S later in the season and in a fair judging world, she should breath a clean Trusova in the neck.

I like Alina's program this year but in the end , I actually liked last years one too
Very nice to see she looks so happy and it is well translated into her skating! Unfortunately, I dont really like the dress and with her fantastic good classic looks à la Alissa Czisny, I would love a more "simple" asymmetric dress on her
I think there could be more done to the choreography but oh my, her jumps looks very,very good! She is in for a good fight with the young guns (sometimes I forget she is still very young herself!) but PCS wise, I would still have her behind a few skaters like Satoko and Rika (and most likely not much above a Mariah Bell, Eunsoo or a Marin Honda that are all natural performers).

I think somebody mention Bradies program having a bit of an "old school" feel to it and cannot agree more. I think the program will grow on me but I would love something more abstract and original as not only do I think she can pull it off nicely but it would also help her to stand out a little bit more from the others..I like Bradie a lot and hope she will have a succesfull season.

 

[ostile17]

Carnival On Ice

Daisuke TAKAHASHI - SP The Phoenix + Pale Green Ghosts Encore + Interview

【会場音】髙橋大輔(Daisuke TAKAHASHI) 2019 CaOI SP 「The Phoenix」

Carnival on Iceカーニバルオンアイスアンコール、インタビューあり高橋大輔町田樹さん解説はこちら→https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJJWrS92rAk&feature=youtu.be

youtu.be

And a little bit of Daisuke dancing with Meryl Davis during rehearsal

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[russell30]

Satoko! Every damn year, she put out spectacular programs and I cannot think about many top skaters that put their heart into their choregraphy as she does. This program is one of the finest I have ever seen (who did the choreo?) and for me, she is "one" with the ice..truly an artist and I would have given her the highest PCS despite the technical errors.

Best Program of the Ladies at the JO her PCS should have been 80, Lori Nicol did the Choreography for her FS!, Lovely program from Lori as always for Satoko

 

[Kateri]

Zagitova: She looks amazing, especially for so early in the season. Her jumps are the best I've ever seen them, and she looks strong and healthy - guess Eteri can too coach an adult woman! Kudos to her for staying in, and continuing to prove herself.

Trusova: I adore her. This LP isn't as strong as last season's, but still plays to her strengths - she's never gonna be a Kostornaia, and shouldn't try. She's a badass, and I hope she lands everything and wins it all this season. No, her PCS maybe shouldn't be above 7s, and maybe they will be, but you can't blame her for that. She's changed the game.

Miyahara: This. This is art. It's impossible to judge her against Trusova, they're in totally different disciplines. I don't know how you'd start. Jumps are irrelevant to what she's doing.

In conclusion, figure skating's a weird, complicated sport, you guys. This season's gonna be a ride.


PS: Oh, Shoma. I'm worried about Shoma. I was worried when he dropped his coach with no backup, and I'm worried that he still hasn't found one, after drifting around the world like a lost soul. Mostly, I'm worried that he's skating to shitty bland pop covers, and barely making them look better than Krasnozhon did. Yikes, babe. I love you, but... yikes.