Today, there was a press conference in Zagreb regarding a new pair team: Lana Petranovic and Antonio Souzu Kordeyur.
The leadership of the federation is very confident in this team, coached in Moscow under Y. Larinov. They have strong support and are conting on them to show results soon.They are training in Moscow, but have also spent time in US this summer and past few week have been training in Zagreb for Warsawa Challanger, where they hope to make TES for Euros and maybe even Worlds.
"I can honestly say we have a pair team that will soon be competitive at the world level and will, without any problem represent Croatia at Winter Olympic Games in 2018. We have put all our efforts into this project and think of it as very important for the future of croatian skating. We believe that Lana and Antonio will perform well in Warsawa in 2 weeks, and croatian audience will be able to see them at 49th Golden spin of Zagreb from 8th till 10th of Dec." - presiednt of Croatian Skating Federation, Morana Palikovic Gruden
Antonio spoke about his heritage (Russian mum, and dad Portugese) his competitive history for Russia and how skating with Lana for Croatia seemes like a great idea and opportunity for him, especially for Olympic games.
Lana is very happy about her new partner, coach and coaching environment in Moscow. She and Antonio love working with Larinov and sharing tje ice with many teams, including many champions. They plan on making TES minimum in Warsawa and to go Euros and Worlds this season.
Larinov said he liked Zagreb a lot and is happy with training enviorment here. He likes working with Lana and Antonio, finds them hardworking and motivated. He thinks that in 2 weeks, after Challanger in Poland, they will have better picture on how this season will play out for them.
Lana told the press that they are skating to Pharell Williams: "Happy" for long program, where she plays a geeky girl and Antonio is trying to get her to have fun and dance. For short program they are skating to "something soft and lyrical". She was "thrilled" about that
She also said that they have triple twist and two triple throws.
All in all - looks like a good partnership.
I am almost afraid to be happy about it. Thats usually a curse for new pairs in my books. Never forget Davidovich and Krasnapolski. Still hurts my heart.
http://imgur.com/9z8JQW1
http://imgur.com/8thpdcB