Men's Free Program, Sat. Nov. 12 at 10:55 pm EST

**jenaj** · 11-13-2011, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by skateflower

Takahashi's scores will likely drop substantially if he doesn't skate clean and the competitions are held in other countries. Skate Canada and NHK have been notorious in terms of inflating host countries' skaters' scores.

In terms of Chan, his scores have been always inflated, much more than Takahashi's.

Maybe I just don't get Chan, but I don't even think he's in the same league as Takahashi. Yes, he has the quad, but in everything else, Takahashi is superior. As the commentator said, he performs while others just compete.

**Mathman** · 11-13-2011, 08:01 PM

^ I think that is the point. Chan competes. He is an expert in everything the ISU scoring system rewards. Baryshnikov choreographed by Balanchine would not get higher marks than Patrick in Skating Skills and Transitions, or in GOEs for his triple flip (Baryshnikov's goes off a flat.

)

Takahashi should just forget all that and do his own thing. A champion never re-acts to what the other guy is doing. A champion does.

You got yours, I got mine. Come on.

**seniorita** · 11-13-2011, 08:09 PM

If some of you are hardcore gymnastics fans, blues for klook was the floor exercise music used by Silivia Mitova of Bulgaria in the early 90's. It was so revolutionary and groundbreaking at the time and remains one of the most iconic routines of all time.

Thank you

, I would never recognise it is the same music though, I have small memory of the program but I remember her.

I m catching up with the Lp, Dai was fantastic, his pcs are wow, but i dont care. He is the king.
Takahiko with mistakes, I didnt even notice them, I love this program.
Btw when I saw the results I thought this must have been a serious splatfest, so I havent watched the rest but congrats to Miner.

Joe welcome back and I hope you get well very very soon!

**SkateFiguring** · 11-13-2011, 08:20 PM

I don't believe Takahashi appreciates the concession on his behalf.

**Buttercup** · 11-13-2011, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by lavender

Just watch Verner and boy this just wasn't his week. The falls he had was just weird and awkward.

Verner's still dealing with the effects of a back injury (see PJ Kwong's pre-event post). I hope to see him in better form later in the season. And with a new SP, too, because the one he has is just not right for him.

The LOLsiest comment of the event was when someone on Eurosport referred to one of Machida's moves as "John Curry-esque".

Agree with MM that Dai should be doing his own thing, not reacting to others. He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone, and can and should focus on what makes him unique.

**Bluebonnet** · 11-14-2011, 12:10 AM

Joe, welcome back! And hope you a speedy recovery!

Originally Posted by jenaj

Maybe I just don't get Chan, but I don't even think he's in the same league as Takahashi. Yes, he has the quad, but in everything else, Takahashi is superior. As the commentator said, he performs while others just compete.

No, he is not.

Chan has three quads. Takahashi has only one URed or DGed. How can you say they are in the same league?

I have no problem with Takahashi's scores. He did one of his best. And that was what he could get. Chan must be on his best form and skate all he could to get on the top. There are 3 or 4 skaters could easily dethrone him if he is not in his best. It's difficult to be the best all the time. So I'm not surprised if he's beaten in some competitions.

I watched NBC this afternoon. Takahashi was truly amazing! Made me, who disliked this program very much at first sight, glued onto his performance. It was one of his best programs.

So far Kozuka is disappointing. Life-less performance.

Very sad for Mroz. Amazed by Miner's bronze. Never liked him.

**Tonichelle** · 11-14-2011, 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by Bluebonnet

I watched NBC this afternoon. Takahashi was truly amazing! Made me, who disliked this program very much at first sight, glued onto his performance. It was one of his best programs.

I had the same reaction - which makes me wonder if this is one of those programs that only works when it's skated close to perfection.

**auser** · 11-14-2011, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by Joesitz

I am out of the hospital now, and able to catch up with some figure skating. There should be no question about Dai. He was the winner. His style is fully developed, and at NHK he was the best. After 7 years of watching him grow (Worlds 2004) his performance at NHK showed an easy going skate. He is worthy of star billing in an Ice Show.

Hi Joe. Glad you are feeling better. Enjoyed your previous posts, looking forward to your future insights. Best wishes to you.

**Buttercup** · 11-14-2011, 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by Tonichelle

I had the same reaction - which makes me wonder if this is one of those programs that only works when it's skated close to perfection.

That's an interesting observation, and at first I thought that was exactly it. But he wasn't close to perfection at NHK. I think maybe it's more about how comfortable Dai felt with the program; it is a departure from his usual music choices, and maybe it took time for him to warm up to it and really commit to the choreography and the performance? Or maybe having a cleaner skate did help with the timing and focus. I really don't know.

I still don't like the music, but I can't deny he expressed it beautifully.

**iluvtodd** · 11-14-2011, 05:18 AM

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I still don't like the music, but I can't deny he expressed it beautifully.

I don't care for the music "Blues for Klook," but there's no denying that Daisuke was totally committed to the program and skated it magnificently.

Joe, welcome back. Glad you're feeling better.

Congrats to Taka and Ross!!!

**hikki** · 11-14-2011, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by Buttercup

That's an interesting observation, and at first I thought that was exactly it. But he wasn't close to perfection at NHK. I think maybe it's more about how comfortable Dai felt with the program; it is a departure from his usual music choices, and maybe it took time for him to warm up to it and really commit to the choreography and the performance? Or maybe having a cleaner skate did help with the timing and focus. I really don't know.

I still don't like the music, but I can't deny he expressed it beautifully.

Daisuke said before Gala: "I knew I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. So I asked Mr Camerlengo to decide and said I'd happy with whatever he chooses. When he chose this piece I really thought nooooooo but I had to stick to my words!"

Also after the Gala in a news program he said he's just performing the way he feels, and he still doesn't 'get' the music yet but it's work in progress.

**dorispulaski** · 11-14-2011, 06:45 AM

hikki, thanks for telling us about how Dai chose his program. If that is a work in progress, I hate to think what other skater's programs should be called. Dai is amazing.

**EricRohmer** · 11-14-2011, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by hikki

Also after the Gala in a news program he said he's just performing the way he feels, and he still doesn't 'get' the music yet but it's work in progress.

honest & humble guy, and genius.