Just watched the recorded BESP live broadcast. Very high quality competition, lots of big scores. Only 2.82 between 3rd and 9th, it’s all very close.
It’s nip and tuck for the first two, the have opened up a gap on the chasers but they could still be caught. The difference in TES is due to the base value of their throws, flip v loop. I thought the Russians had the better twist, lift and throw. I thought the Chinese programme had more of an impact towards the end.
D/R have the base value but everything is a bit sloppy and so the suffer on GOE. I think this is a better vehicle for them, they are trying to show a different side to them but when you see them against other top pairs they just lack finesse. I was surprised that Chris on BESP said they have worked so hard to improve Eric, I would have thought it was the other way round.
S/M are very much in contention. Bruno and the 2S really hurt and thought he looked nervous after that. He looked quite upset in the K&C, I hope she is nice to him. She only wants gold but he would be happy with a medal. Th programme is choreographed well to hide his weaknesses. I thought the French looked a bit flat. The Italian teams both skated well, M/H programme is cheesy but I really enjoyed and so did they and the audience.
I think Y/Z were under marked on PCS, I would have them 3rd, they are at least a match for D/R in PCS. I was disappointed to see the Aussies (very low PCS), the Austrians and China no. 3 not qualify. I’m not sure I like S/B new styles, it doesn’t feel like them, it’s all a bit to Montreal for me.
Roll on the free and come on Candyman


