Has anyone watched Mao at Japan Nationals? If she skates like that where does she place in Sochi? I don't contend that Julia should have won GPF but I do contend that was actually a sub 200 score for Mao minus home inflation. So by my deflation of the GPF score that would be two scores under 200 in her last two skates. I'll play devils advocate and say Mao deserved that 204 at GPF(gulp...alright I said it). Julia did not skate her cleanest program possible at Euros. Even if she isn't re-working her routine, which I suspect she might just to back load some of the jump content, she should still manage a decent score 198-202 without too much backlash, right. I contend Mao has closed the gap herself.
Julia and even Mao need Yuna to be resurfacing the ice with her dress for either of them to be in the hunt. Yuna clearly is the favorite so thats all i worry about that.
I just dont think Mao lives up to the hype considering the way the she has performed leading into Sochi. I'm not into Mao's opening with the over 1 minute of less then exciting pushing around the rink and doing two less than reliable 3a. Just plain boring to me and clearly a prime example of ,what people have criticized Julia of, racking up technical score with no artistic value. But..... at the music break and she stops her spin and then the music changes Mao let's loose and its amazing behold...wow.
I think if Julia goes lights out perfect she could earn a score of 202 very easily, I said lights out mind you. That should at least hunt a silver especially if the judges bump her for being home, not unlike Mao in Japan. I hope not because nobody should win based on anything outside of the rink doors.
Julia and even Mao need Yuna to be resurfacing the ice with her dress for either of them to be in the hunt. Yuna clearly is the favorite so thats all i worry about that.
I just dont think Mao lives up to the hype considering the way the she has performed leading into Sochi. I'm not into Mao's opening with the over 1 minute of less then exciting pushing around the rink and doing two less than reliable 3a. Just plain boring to me and clearly a prime example of ,what people have criticized Julia of, racking up technical score with no artistic value. But..... at the music break and she stops her spin and then the music changes Mao let's loose and its amazing behold...wow.
I think if Julia goes lights out perfect she could earn a score of 202 very easily, I said lights out mind you. That should at least hunt a silver especially if the judges bump her for being home, not unlike Mao in Japan. I hope not because nobody should win based on anything outside of the rink doors.