World's Ladies Podium

No Shin Amano on the tech Panel!!!

http://www.isuresults.com/results/wc2014/SEG003OF.HTM

Sam-Skwantch said:

No Shin Amano on the tech Panel!!!

http://www.isuresults.com/results/wc2014/SEG003OF.HTM

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Wait, what?!!! After the horrible judging they removed the technical person known for being tough but fair. Can anyone tell me exactly what the history of the members of the tech panel is now?

Is this backlash from the Olympics: no Japanese member on the tech panel?

Controller is Canadian
Specialist is French
Assistant is German

Seems like a good panel?

usethis2 said:

Hmm.. so it is all but a foregone conclusion that this is her final stage?

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I read it from Japanese article somewhere that her disappointed performance in Sochi got her to rethink about her retirement. She wants to pull the Yuna, taking a year or two breaks, joining a few B competitions here and there, and preparing for 2018 OG. But we have to see after Worlds what will be her decision.

BusyMom said:

I read it from Japanese article somewhere that her disappointed performance in Sochi got her to rethink about her retirement. She wants to pull the Yuna, taking a year or two breaks, joining a few B competitions here and there, and preparing for 2018 OG. But we have to see after Worlds what will be her decision.

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That's the best say to go. Sometimes I think Mao's only problem is that she works too hard--never missed a major competition (except one) in her entire career.

Mao
Yulia
Gold

I think that's who the ISU wants to see. But the ladies have to do their part and execute.

1. Mao
2. Yulia
3. Carolina.
4. Kanako.
5. Gracie.
6. Akiko
7. Anna P.
8. Ashley
9. Mae Berenice
10. Polina or Valentina

Something like that.

Actually, I would not be one bit surprised if Yulia won it, given how inconsistent Mao tends to skate.

i bet Mao goes for 2 3a's in the FS

Polina; we had our "curiosity" about her before Sochi and whilst there, she got our "attention". My (bold) prediction? After Worlds, she will henceforth be part of any podium discussion.

Eladola said:

i bet Mao goes for 2 3a's in the FS

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In one of the practice videos someone posted, it looked like Mao was practicing the same layout she did in Sochi (w/ one 3A, the 3F-3L and 2A-3T). I'd imagine nailing that program so well in Sochi has given her confidence that she can do it again. I really hope she does!

RABID said:

Polina; we had our "curiosity" about her before Sochi and whilst there, she got our "attention". My (bold) prediction? After Worlds, she will henceforth be part of any podium discussion.

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Very bold prediction indeed Rabid. I think it's a fair prediction but there will be a lot of competition for her next season, including a number of skaters who were not in Sochi or will be at worlds this year.

The best thing Polina can do is follow up her strong performances in Sochi with two strong performances in Saitama. Right now the judges are preparing to rearrange the scoring tiers and need to see how all of these girls stack up next to one another. Once Mao, Carolina, Akiko, etc. exit, the standings are going to shuffle. Adelina, Julia and Gracie will now be seen as the veterans and will likely get the highest scores moving forward. Polina will still be a newbie next year (1st senior season) but she can use this world championships as a springboard to give her a leg up over other skaters in the scoring department, especially if she places well here.

I'm hopeful she'll do well. :thumbsup: Kinda sad how Ashley isn't really in the conversation for medals now. I love her, I really do, but she will have to step it way waaay up if she wants to be competitive with this post-Sochi crowd.

Mods, feel free to delete this if you feel it violates a policy or whatever, but it is relevant. I did a preview for the ladies on my blog. I really think this competition is going to be b/w Mao and Carolina as well as Julia and Gracie. I'd like to see either Mao or Carolina win with the other placing 2nd...sort of like a farewell to this era of skating. But Julia and Gracie are very well positioned to sneak into one of those top spots.

I think the judges will lean more towards the veterans at this competition but they'll have to deliver. Carolina was perfect through 3 performances in Sochi; I don't know if she can do that again. Mao can definitely improve upon her SP but can she hit that insane FS again? I really want to see both of them (and Akiko and Kanako too) go out on a high note. If Julia is back on form, I think she's a sure bet for the podium but without too much inflation, Gracie should be right on her heels.

Podium I'd love to see:
1. Mao/Carolina
2. Carolina/Mao
3. Akiko (I'd really love to see her erase the disappointment of Sochi and last years worlds by ending her career with another world medal)

I'd like to see the podium of Mao, Carolina, and Akiko in that order as well. I do want Akiko to go out in a blaze of glory, especially on home ice.

kwanatic said:

In one of the practice videos someone posted, it looked like Mao was practicing the same layout she did in Sochi (w/ one 3A, the 3F-3L and 2A-3T). I'd imagine nailing that program so well in Sochi has given her confidence that she can do it again. I really hope she does!

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I like this layout for Mao, and I think she can set the all time high score with it.

1. Mao
2. Carolina (could be first as well)
3. Yulia.

:yay:

Alba said:

1. Mao
2. Carolina (could be first as well)
3. Yulia.

:yay:

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I desperately want Wagner to medal, But those seem like the 3, And upsets could come from either Gold or whichever JPN lady brings it.

Then again i keep feeling like Gold's not gonna do too well, Which is odd.

Eladola said:

I desperately want Wagner to medal, But those seem like the 3, And upsets could come from either Gold or whichever JPN lady brings it.

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I'm not sure about Yulia tbh. That's just my wish. I agree with you about Gold. I think she can very well get to the podium. Same for Suzuki.
I'm not sure about Wagner though.

http://www.isuresults.com/results/wc2014/SEG003.HTM

The 3 Japanese Ladies in a row at the start of the second to last group, Led by Asada, Should be loud

Eladola said:

http://www.isuresults.com/results/wc2014/SEG003.HTM

The 3 Japanese Ladies in a row at the start of the second to last group, Led by Asada, Should be loud

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Agree! Quite surprised when I saw the draw. Exciting! This penultimate warm up group is loaded!

Weird starting order. I'm not sure if that is so favourable to Mao, Akiko and Kanako.

pangtongfan said:

1. Mao
2. Suzuki
3. Murakmi

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Hope you didn't put down another "$8000".