Just doing a happy dance for Ross Miner!
Yea, I felt quite relaxed while watching LP. Now I know how Chan ubers feel when he competes.
Too bad that no Russians will make it to the GPF, otherwise, who knows what other snarky comments will be coming from you? Despite Takahashi getting 90+ for PCS, his total FS score still trails that of Chan's from Skate Canada when he was far from perfect. As for whether Takahashi can duplicate what he has done here in Sapporo, I think it's doubtful. Japan will not be holding any major Championship, save one 4CC, until Sochi. On the other hand, Canada will be hosting this year GPF and the very important pre-Olympic Worlds in 2013. Simply put, Chan is still his own greatest enemy. Takahashi needs to improve his consistency in his FS or else he runs a severe risk of being left home this year now that Hanyu is one the scene (in addition to Oda and Kozuka) and all 3 of them could easily beat Takahashi when he is off as he often was in the last 2 years.
Too bad that no Russians will make it to the GPF, otherwise, who knows what other snarky comments will be coming from you? Despite Takahashi getting 90+ for PCS, his total FS score still trails that of Chan's from Skate Canada when he was far from perfect. As for whether Takahashi can duplicate what he has done here in Sapporo, I think it's doubtful. Japan will not be holding any major Championship, save one 4CC, until Sochi. On the other hand, Canada will be hosting this year GPF and the very important pre-Olympic Worlds in 2013. Simply put, Chan is still his own greatest enemy. Takahashi needs to improve his consistency in his FS or else he runs a severe risk of being left home this year now that Hanyu is one the scene (in addition to Oda and Kozuka) and all 3 of them could easily beat Takahashi when he is off as he often was in the last 2 years.
If some of you are hardcore gymnastics fans, blues for klook was the floor exercise music used by Silivia Mitova of Bulgaria in the early 90's. It was so revolutionary and groundbreaking at the time and remains one of the most iconic routines of all time. There is really no other performer whether a gymnast, skater or dancer that can interpret this music other than daisuke. he really oozes the attitude and vibe that this piece resonants. It shows that the scoring system is no excuse to not put out program that is innovative and edgy and above all a performance. I can't wait to see him skate it cleanly.This could be on my list of one greatest programs in history.
Kozuka's ambition in quad doesn't work out well so far. He URed all three of his quad attempts this season. One fell and one two-footed. Then he took it out in SP this time. It hurt his PCS.
Hanyu was on the scene a year ago and still he was the one left home. Until Hanyu will be able to stay strong in the second half of his LP, he doesn't guarantee a better showing on the world scene than the top 3 japanese.
In Cup of China thread, he posted "I think this kid still has a long way to go if he wants that spot on the Japanese World team this year." May be in one week the long way he mentioned has become a bit shorter.
Anyway, I agree with you with his strength issue and his chance on world team is totally not guarantee, but now there are no Japanese man that are really really consistence (May be Oda, but he is just get off from the injury and cannot jump quad like he used to do - At cup of china even Yuzuru fall 2 time and double Salchow his tes is just 2 points less than Oda who didn't fall or skip jump); therefore, I think this year (Apart from Dai who is locked in my opinion) the spots are more open than last year.
I always loved that routine. I still get it out and watch it from time to time. I'm also seeing/remembering that Usova/Zhulin used this music in 1992/93 for their free dance - quite effectively.
^^^^^Takahashi will not bomb the Japanese Nationals. He might get beaten depending on his physical condition and how others skate but he will not beat himself. Takahashi always rises up to his hero status in front of his royal subjects, who also can afford to travel to support him, but there is nothing like a home crowd.
And 3rd of all, he may be punching his World team ticket BEFORE the japanese nationals, as people need to remember that the JSF selects the GPF medalists automatically to the world team.
Dai has already qualified to the GPF and frankly I see no reason for him not to be able to medal there.
That rule had been eliminated since last year and it applied to the Japanese who finished the highest at the GPF, though not necessarily a medalist. So unfortunately, it is no longer possible to qualify through GPF. In any event, it is not a sure thing he will necessarily be the top Japanese man as Oda, Hanyu and Kozuka all still have a chance to qualify. His recent record at GPF has been quite dismal, finishing last in Beijing 2010.
PCS is subjective. Technically, he's no where near Chan. To see Dai's mark got inflated to Chan's level is scandalous. Dai shouldn't even try the quad, because he will be rewarded regardless. I'm glad at least you notice his ridiculous over reacted expression in many of his skates. I guess that's what they called "artistry".Oh, the LOLsiness of the poster upthread who thought Dai's marks are being inflated to that he could compete with Chan. I think Dai deserves his IN and P&E 9s far more than Patrick, whose strengths lie more in the technical part of the PCS (SS/TR). I'm really enjoying toned-down Dai this season; there have been times in the past when I felt he was overdoing it with the expression, but this year it's just perfect. Kudos to David Wilson and Pasquale Camerlengo for giving him two excellent vehicles that showcase what he can do. I think the judging here sends a clear message to the guys: bring your A-game if you want to compete with Takahashi.