- Joined
- Jan 6, 2007
I like Daisuke. Had several banners with him etc.
But I don't think he is the best thing since sliced bread. He actually lacks in lots of departments, other skaters get crucified for problems in those departments. E.g. the jump layout this year just makes me go all "Huh?". He starts his program like Plushenko and Joubert (Quad, Axel etc.), just skating from jump to jump and overall doesn't really has many transitions to speak of. While his spins can be decent, they are often shaky, his sitspin especially.
His basic skating is very good, though even there he has guys in his country alone, who have better skating skills. And the footwork is of course his calling card. But just like Joubert and Plushenko, he is skating to the judges and the audience, relying heavily on his charm and personality.
So I think, even if he goes clean with 8 Triples and 1 Quad, he could still be beaten by a guy like Abbott, with the same jumps but an infinitely more complex program. Or by Plushenko and Joubert, if they go out there and land their stuff, including two Quads and two Triple Axels.
But I don't think he is the best thing since sliced bread. He actually lacks in lots of departments, other skaters get crucified for problems in those departments. E.g. the jump layout this year just makes me go all "Huh?". He starts his program like Plushenko and Joubert (Quad, Axel etc.), just skating from jump to jump and overall doesn't really has many transitions to speak of. While his spins can be decent, they are often shaky, his sitspin especially.
His basic skating is very good, though even there he has guys in his country alone, who have better skating skills. And the footwork is of course his calling card. But just like Joubert and Plushenko, he is skating to the judges and the audience, relying heavily on his charm and personality.
So I think, even if he goes clean with 8 Triples and 1 Quad, he could still be beaten by a guy like Abbott, with the same jumps but an infinitely more complex program. Or by Plushenko and Joubert, if they go out there and land their stuff, including two Quads and two Triple Axels.