Chan was just a virtuoso today. He beat Hanyu significantly on components in the LP where Hanyu fell (and was visibly drained), but Hanyu beat Chan slightly on the components in the SP when Chan fell. I think this shows judging of falls impacting the PCS, which I hope will continue through the season.
Hanyu obviously became quite ragged and it was through sheer will that he finished the end of the program. But, this is how he pushes himself as an athlete, and this is the type of champion he is. I remember Elvis Stojko's interview with TSL and how he talked about how adding up the 4Ts and the 4Ss and the 3As increased the expenditure of energy so that "they're not even in the same frickin' planet". Hanyu could absolutely be a pristine and clean skater with gorgeous lines all the time if he only did 1 quad and 1 triple axel in the first half, or 1 quad and 2 triple axels (particularly given his general stamina issues/asthma/susceptibility to injuries) because he is a quality skater (as much as some people fervently deny it), but that's just not how he does things.
On the other hand, Chan says he's not looking to be the champion, he's searching for answers for himself, and that's different but no less valid. His motivations are his own, and if he wishes to be back in the competitive arena with 'lesser' content, it's not because he's not also a worthy champion who wishes to push his skating in other ways. Glad to have him back and give a champion's performance in front of a home crowd.
They both moved me, but in different ways. With Chan, I saw a master at his craft, it was amazement over his sheer quality, moving me intellectually and "aesthetically", if that makes sense. With Hanyu, I saw an athlete trying to push himself to his limits, never feeling content to stay in one place if he can reach farther, even if he should fail, moving me emotionally on a more human basis, even if I was aware in the difference of quality. It is kind of faint shades of Kim vs Asada circa Vancouver, haha. Anyway, I like both these programs, I like both these skaters, I enjoy Hanyu choosing a unique piece of music, and I enjoy Chan giving a masterclass on pure, powerful skating. Throw in Fernandez to give a little light-hearted charm and technical firepower, Ten when he's less injured, the amazing upstart in Uno, all the uniquely talented American and Russian men, and we have the makings for a great men's competition this season.
I am shocked to see that people would say that YUZU should quite skating after the fact that for the first time he landed 3 quads in his FP... people are crazy
