soogar said:I'm glad everyone is harping on this thread that S&Z aren't a lock. Quite frankly, I believe and predict that T&M will win gold in 2006 (you can all roast me for it if it doesn't happen). The only thing that T&M lack is emotion on the ice: everything else in their program is at least equal to or vastly superior to S&Z. I like S&Z, but I've seen better pair teams and T&M have better control on their pairs elements than S&Z (though S&Z have bigger elements). T&M also are superior in side by side elements, unison and the spins. T&M have a year and half to get some expression in their skating, and considering that S&Z have great expression in their skating (who would have predicted that a few years ago), I don't think that it's impossible for them to achieve this. T&M already have the basics down pat.
Also the long Russian pairs streak is probably going to play some part in the decision: esp if both teams skate well.
Joesitz said:I repeat that T&M will win 2005 Worlds. It is geared in that direction for the hometwon favorites. I think without a doubt S&Z would win in Beijing.
The Olys, have a different crowd than Worlds. Getting tickets to the Figure Skating events will be for the rich and famous, or those poor slobs who love skating have been saving up their pennies for decades. Given this look at the Olys, I don't see a hometwon favorite.
In this connection, and given all teams skate their best, I see S&Z the winning team. They are spectacular. There is no question. They have enough of the 19th century ballet look together with the most stunning lifts ever in figure skating. Their routines by Miller are scrumptuous; their pair spins, their footwork; their individual jumps are all solid, and they will have the 'no particular' fans in the audience on their feet.
And by all means, roast me if I am wrong. I believe the 'lock' on Russian pairs ended in DC and was confirmed in the LP in Dortmund. Only Moscow will they silver medal. But the Olys is for S&Z. Russian fans pray for a big error by S&Z. That's the only way they will lose.
Joe
Vash01 said:I disagree that in the Olympics there are no hometown favorites. I was at the FS competitions in SLC 2002, and it was clear that a vast majority of the attendees were from USA and Canada. I expect these two countries represented in large numbers in Torino and Vancouver too. I don't expect to see a large number of Chinese or Russians at either venue. However, the anti-Russian sentiment would make the majority root for the Chinese. So the Chinese will have a pseodo home field advantage. Moscow will certainly offer an advantage to T&M but it just means they will have a chance to win (not a certainty).
Joesitz said:Vash - I don't see the anti-Russian sentiment in Golden Skate but I do understand the remark could be pointing at me. I don't take offence because there is some truth in it. We had a discussion about the anti-Kwan fans sometime back, who have a favorite but if their favorite does not win, they hope any other skater will win over Kwan. I think this is caused by excessive gushing. One gets tired or reading the same old gush. Russians are the best because they study ballet. really? Kwan can't do 3x3s. really? You get the drift.
As of today, I see the 4 disciplines at Worlds to Men - Plushenko; Ladies - undecided but I am leaning towards Irina; Pairs - T&M for the advantage; Dance - I haven't a clue. So with my predictions, I go with 2 definite Russians and 1 possible. Now I may not like these choices but my head gets stronger than my heart at times. None of this is written in stone since there is more to come before the Worlds including, unfortunately, injuries. Think Klimkin and Lambiel both of whom would go with the heart for me. I'm always happy when an American wins but only if I believe the skater deserved to win.
As for the Olys, that really is another thread in itself. I do think it will be S&Z and they will be far ahead of any American team. T&M are fine but when you compare with B&S, because we are talking Russian, it's not the same thing, and I am not enough a Russophile to worry about them. I've never been a believer that the winning Oly champ is the best in the world. I think some of those results at SLC showed that.
Joe
euterpe said:I agree that Plushenko will win Worlds in Moscow. He is taking good care of himself and will be in the best possible condition.
The Russian Federation, Piseev in particular, makes it a competitive sport to trash its Ladies on a regular basis. This is business as usual.euterpe said:I remember reading an interview about Russian medal prospects at Worlds 2005 that someone had translated on another board. Apparently the Russian Federation thinks that Irina's best days are behind her.
Ladskater said:Just a thought - Does it matter? As long as each pair team is judged fairly.