The Mao cheer thread #3 - "For the love of skating"

[rosewood]

This clip is so cute!
Mao→← @Karpenko ←me

 

[inskate]

Now I found out another reason why her preparation is slower than usual. She changed her blades from pattern 99 to Kozuka's one-plate blades. Wish this move is OK but who knows.

Pattern99 Revolution http://www.johnwilsonskates.com/products/pattern-99-rev
Mao's current blades http://www.jiji.com/news/photos/photo_news/images/658/0022479066.jpg

Until THE ICE 2016 she used Revolution blades. So it's a recent change. Mao never let us stay relaxed! Very Mao-pace.

Thanks for the info! It seems the blades work well so far, Mao's jumps don't seem to have become unstable. It will be interesting to see another elite skater try them out; Takahiko was using them in his last season, IIRC, but it was difficult to guess how well they worked for him, because he was bothered by his injury. Seeing how popular the Edea boots have become due to their decreased weight, a lighter pair of blades could become very popular as well.

 

[rosewood]

Thanks for the info! It seems the blades work well so far, Mao's jumps don't seem to have become unstable. It will be interesting to see another elite skater try them out; Takahiko was using them in his last season, IIRC, but it was difficult to guess how well they worked for him, because he was bothered by his injury. Seeing how popular the Edea boots have become due to their decreased weight, a lighter pair of blades could become very popular as well.

Yeah. When I read Kozuka's article two years ago, he said he was bothered by sideways slide. At this point I'm not sure his team could have solved the problem. But I guess the blades improved to some extent during these two years since Mr Sato didn't allow her to use it at first but he did this time. You know they're from Nagoya the Toyota's home town. There are lots of people who have deep knowledge of dealing with metals. Their challenge is interesting anyways.

 

[rosewood]

Ice Network article

After Wednesday's practice session, Asada said that even though the triple axel is important, she feels she doesn't need to do it at this competition.

Instead, the three-time world champion was eager to talk about her new programs. Interestingly, Asada's short program and free skate have the same music, "Ritual Fire Dance" played by Arthur Rubinstein. This unusual decision was made after a conversation with her choreographer, Lori Nichol.

"In the short program, my costume is black, and I express a black swan that turns into a mysterious lady with magical power, a witch. In the long program, that mysterious lady does a passionate dance, very intense and feminine, wearing a red costume," the 26-year-old Asada said. "I want to express a mature lady, something that I couldn't do in the past and what the younger skaters cannot do."

 

[tamms]

Aside from the triple loop, I thought Mao looked great in her Finlandia SP. I’m just miffed about her low PCS. How does one give a 6.50 to her skating skills? To be fair, however, that particular judge seemed to handing low scores to all the skaters in PCS so I guess there’s that.

 

[Finnice]

Mao was just lovely in Finlandia.

 

[chapis]

It was today!??, please, a video.

 

[Sylvia]

Finlandia SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7gYzWjmbDQ

 

[chapis]

Finlandia SP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7gYzWjmbDQ

Thanks . Her skating is beautiful, especially the spins. But I really HATE the music , maybe the orchestral version is better.

 

[Spun Silver]

I'm in the middle. I don't love but don't hate the music. Not crazy about the costume. But the skating matters most and she looks divine. And comfortable. Like she's got this. I'm happy!

 

[arakwafan2006]

This wasn't a strong performance for Mao. I would have thought that she would have went for a 3/3 since she's not planning an Axel. I like the programs concept but it doesn't flow so well. Maybe my mind will be changed when I see her live in a couple weeks.

I'm wishing her a great season though. I get the impression her confidence is still not high.

 

[Karpenko]

Judge #6 should be fired and never allowed to judge figure skating again. Ever again. They should be shamed and kicked out of figure skating permanently.

If you're reading this you should be ashamed of yourself and your lack of knowledge in this sport, you don't ever give a skater of Mao's quality 6's even if she totally ****s up. That's the most bogus PCS scoring for Mao that I've ever seen and it needs to be stopped.

Other than that really pissing me off, I felt it was a bit flat but agree that part of it is because of the musical arrangement. She's still very polished and clean, and I really love the step sequence.

 

[Spun Silver]

This wasn't a strong performance for Mao. I would have thought that she would have went for a 3/3 since she's not planning an Axel. I like the programs concept but it doesn't flow so well. Maybe my mind will be changed when I see her live in a couple weeks.

I'm wishing her a great season though. I get the impression her confidence is still not high.

I think maybe her strategy here was to skate clean and she did. I remember what a rocky fall she had last season after starting strong at the Japan Open, when she was determined to go for everything. The strategy paid off since she is in striking distance of a gold medal, without even her full arsenal. Plenty of skaters scale down at the beginning and build over the season. Heck, Mao being Mao, we may see her throw everything in in the free. I didnt see anything to worry about at all. Except maybe the costume. It's too similar to her 2014 Olympic free dress. Now that I see her program, i would rather see her in something more stark and simple. But that's small potatoes.

 

[Miki89]

Mao's skating was just on another level at this event. She should be getting much higher PCS imo. I liked the program. But even if one didn't, you can see that she skates to the music and uses the choreography effectively to deliver the mood of the piece. I could not say the same for her competitors.

 

[gotoschool]

Fiery and lovely from Mao. Her multi-directional movements were sinuous, rhythmic and fluid. Enticing and exciting while also capturing the brooding and hypnotic beauty of the piece. I don't value Mao's performances based on scores given by judges, any more than a numerical value can be assigned to my favorite paintings or musical compositions. The -2 on the triple loop was too harsh and the PCS were too low in my opinion and the level 3 on steps is ridiculous.

 

[rosewood]

Interview with Mao after finishing SP at Finlandia Trophy.
https://youtu.be/n9V6lesk4l4?t=39
(my rough translation)

Mao: It was a good skate as a start line of the season. I'll add more difficult jumps and it'll lead me to get closer to my goals.


I think it was an okay start for her - with receiving higher PCS over reigning world bronze medalist from Russia by skating a program with no 3A, 3-3 or luz.

Now it's time for us to see the free program!!

errrr I forgot to add this
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/783642031570595840/pu/vid/1280x720/b7zxPr6P46qUiAS3.mp4

Mao→ ←#6 J ←karpenko ←us

 

[rosewood]

IN article of SP

Japan's Mao Asada, sitting in second place, showed a clean program as well. Her jump content was the "light version" she often uses early in the season: double axel, triple flip-double loop combination and a solo triple loop.

"It's not my best, but I did what I wanted to do, and I'm satisfied," Asada said. "In the future, I will do more difficult jumps in my programs. This was just a good start for the season."

As she did in the short, Asada will skate to music from the Manuel de Falla ballet El amor brujo in the free skate.

Not a good news...
(my rough translation)
.....
Regarding not doing her signature jump 3A, Asada explained "It's just my preparation is not ready." She doesn't speak a lot. According to Coach Sato, it's because her health condition is not perfect, "She's working carefully so that she can protect her body at this point. She needs to recover from this situation as soon as possible. That said I don't want her to fall down back to the start line."
.....

Seems somewhere in her body she has a problem and she's carefully recovering.

 

[Deleted member 13560]

I liked the program. But even if one didn't, you can see that she skates to the music and uses the choreography effectively to deliver the mood of the piece. I could not say the same for her competitors.

Totally agreed. Also, I find her choice for the piano arrangement to be spot on, it really gives the piece a touch of quirkiness that goes well along with her interpretation. Good job on her team as well.

 

[rosewood]

Article published in Finland
(Google translation)

It was December 1999. Asada was nine years old.
- I got a medal from Santa Claus. I have only good memories from Finland.
Since then, Asada has charmed audiences slightly larger arenas. Japanese figure skating superstar is triple the type of world champion, Olympic silver medalist.
- Tampere, Santa Claus remember addition Kiira Korpi . She competed in the same category two years older big sister Main with Asada smiles.

The second time Asada visited Finland in late 2004. Although he was only 14 years of age, the type of crowd roared already when puny Japanese.
Asada won the Junior GP Finals and astounded, above all exertion kolmoisaxelin, which only few women have reached the month there on the day.

photos:
http://d17md65w07h7d0.cloudfront.net/aamulehti/content/uploads/2016/10/07062946/23983722-730x487.jpg
http://d17md65w07h7d0.cloudfront.net/aamulehti/content/uploads/2016/10/07062949/23936458.jpg
http://d17md65w07h7d0.cloudfront.ne...ploads/2016/10/07062952/23983684-730x1095.jpg

 

[rosewood]

Gorgeous photos from SP at Finlandia Trophy:
https://twitter.com/insideskating/status/784321530436083717

Capturing the beauty of the moment - a few more shots from #MaoAsada's ritual dance at #FinTrophy16. Full story to follow. #ManueldeFalla

https://twitter.com/insideskating/status/784283659503185920

A program just like an Art Nouveau jewel: #MaoAsada at #FinTrophy16. More photos to come soon on http://www.insideskating.net. #ManueldeFalla

https://twitter.com/3flip3loop/status/784152124716384257
https://twitter.com/3flip3loop/status/784149989584990208

Tonight at #FinTrophy16 Mao Asada was so much more than just scores. #浅田真央

https://twitter.com/3flip3loop/status/784143724519522304

Your leader after the ladies short program at #FinTrophy16, Anna Pogorilaya.
But let's be honest, we came to see her. Mao Asada during ladies SP warm-up at #FinTrophy16. #浅田真央

From official practice:
https://twitter.com/sunpo_life/status/784086552414683136

There is no place like ice rink. Let's start a new season! #MaoAsada #Mao #FT2016 #FinlandiaTrophy #fintrophy2016 @SkatingFinland

https://twitter.com/eelinpaas/status/784277809996832768

私たちの本を見て喜ぶ浅田選手。世界トップの選手の皆さんと一緒にこの本を作ることができて、本当に幸せです。#JäänLumo #figureskating #book #MaoAsada

Banners
https://twitter.com/sunpo_life/status/784086552414683136

Thanks for all who posted these awesome photos!

 

[rosewood]

From today's official practice:
3F-3Lo clip

A Japanese fan who went to see Mao skating reported on twitter that she looked caring her back during today's official practice. So it can be her back that Mr Sato suggested a problem of.

 

[arakwafan2006]

Judge #6 should be fired and never allowed to judge figure skating again. Ever again. They should be shamed and kicked out of figure skating permanently.

If you're reading this you should be ashamed of yourself and your lack of knowledge in this sport, you don't ever give a skater of Mao's quality 6's even if she totally ****s up. That's the most bogus PCS scoring for Mao that I've ever seen and it needs to be stopped.

Other than that really pissing me off, I felt it was a bit flat but agree that part of it is because of the musical arrangement. She's still very polished and clean, and I really love the step sequence.

That judge needs new glasses.

 

[Deleted member 13560]

I didn't see it posted so here is the link for the live stream of the free skating. http://finlandiatrophy.com/

 

[tamms]

Judge #6 should be fired and never allowed to judge figure skating again. Ever again. They should be shamed and kicked out of figure skating permanently.

If you're reading this you should be ashamed of yourself and your lack of knowledge in this sport, you don't ever give a skater of Mao's quality 6's even if she totally ****s up. That's the most bogus PCS scoring for Mao that I've ever seen and it needs to be stopped.

Other than that really pissing me off, I felt it was a bit flat but agree that part of it is because of the musical arrangement. She's still very polished and clean, and I really love the step sequence.

Judge #6 did it again today in the free skate, giving her mostly 6's in PCS.

 

[kittyjake5]

I guess judge 6 is on crack. Nice looking podium! Congrats to all!

 

[chapis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzZNZPAXWmY LP I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!

 

[arakwafan2006]

What a gorgeous free program. Man, Mao's skating is out of this world. She looks beautiful in that red dress. The choreography, Lori and Mao are perfect

 

[kittysk8ts]

Judge #6 did it again today in the free skate, giving her mostly 6's in PCS.

And 5.75 in transitions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My God.

 

[inskate]

Thanks, @chapis, for the link!

Love the program! The step sequence and the timing to the music is wonderful. I think the choice to take things slowly was the right one - it was such a strict panel than even slightly imperfect performance of higher difficulty program would score much lower... Just look at Anna. As it is, Mao was por una cabeza from gold, just going for 2F-2L-2L would be enough.

3Lz looked good!

 

[Spun Silver]

What a solid start to Mao's season! This should give her lots of confidence going into the GP. To achieve that with a blind judge and without even a 3A attempt is good news. Now she knows she can beat Pogo. With Gracie behind in her prep, it seems her only real threats at SA are Wagner and Daleman. Another medal is likely. Hope it's gold!