2013 Worlds Ladies SP

[calstudent]

Well, in the grand scheme of things, it could be worse.

I'm wondering though, why you feel Gao would have represented US interests better? While Gracie did not skate well at Nationals in the SP, she rocked the LP. Yes, she is young and has a junior-ish quality about her choreography but she does show a great deal of promise. Gao on the other hand, has had a string of 5th place finishes and as another posted noted, she'd likely get lost in the shuffle (again, as in like she does at US Nationals - IMO). With that said, I would be interested in your thoughts on why Gao might have been a better choice?

Gao has far more experience competing in the upper echelon of senior figure skaters. We don't expect her to win and become the next World Champ. What we want and we need from our skaters is consistency that seems to be lacking in Gracie.

 

[ForeverFish]

While I agree with you, I can understand why some feel she should have placed higher at Nationals and perhaps, that Gracie should have had a lower placement after the SP at Nationals, which might have made her 2nd place finisher overall not as secure.

I understand that stance too, and I felt like Christina at least deserved a medal of some color. But (and I've used this argument before) even Courtney Hicks, a newcomer, finished ahead of Christina. That shows that Christina needs to sell her programs better/be more captivating.

 

[sather]

BTW it's 3:20am and I'm not sure how long I can stay awake from now TT
go Akiko!

 

[bigsisjiejie]

When I first saw her after she went to orser and her image was changed and she lost weight, I thought she had had a reduction.

IMO she did. The chest change can't be explained by weight loss alone. Not being judgmental on this though, as there are health reasons beyond skating competitiveness or just vanity, for doing so. Yes we're veering into speculation but I think it's not been in an unkind way on this forum....we fans are genuinely concerned about her and something is obviously not right. It's possible she just has a skating-related injury though.

 

[hikki]

Go Akiko!!!!
She was amazing when I watched her live in Nice last year!

 

[ForeverFish]

Other than a stepout on a 3T from Akiko, she's totally killing it.

 

[FlattFan]

Damn! Step out on the 3T-3T. Looked rotated, though.
Clean on everything else.
Here's another girl who got the audience going. Stronger performer than Osmond. (P/E, CH, IN should be 1 point higher)

 

[Jammers]

 

[sequinsgalore]

Akiko SUZUKI (JPN)

Music: Battle Without Honour or Humanity (from "Kill Bill" soundtrack) by Tomoyasu Hotei
Malaguena (from "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" soundtrack) by Robert Rodriguez

3T+3T - stepout
3F - landing bit low
LSp
FCSp - misses catchfoot
2A
StSq
CCoSp

A couple of mistakes sadly, but she sold it well.

SP: 30.71 + 30.46 = 61.17
In 3rd (out of 24)

 

[bigsisjiejie]

Ah Akiko, one of my favorites. Bobble on the combo at the end but overall a solid skate. I like this SP more and more every time I see it. But I think the door for others was left open. :disapp:

 

[ForeverFish]

It should break 60...fingers crossed...

ETA: Also, though this isn't a fashion contest, I'm not crazy about her outfit. Or any outfit with excessive leather, really.

 

[vera01]

It should break 60...fingers crossed...

ETA: Also, though this isn't a fashion contest, I'm not crazy about her outfit. Or any outfit with excessive leather, really.

And she did break 60..

 

[dwiggin3]

Akiko SUZUKI (JPN)

Music: Battle Without Honour or Humanity (from "Kill Bill" soundtrack) by Tomoyasu Hotei
Malaguena (from "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" soundtrack) by Robert Rodriguez

3T+3T - stepout
3F - ok, landing bit low
LSp
FCSp - misses catchfoot
2A
StSq
CCoSp

A couple of mistakes sadly, but she sold it well.

This may not be PC but in this program, she is so damn cute AND sexy. Really like it for her.

 

[aftertherain]

I seem to have lost my web link. Any web link to the Ladies SP that works in the US?

British Eurosport!

http://www.stream2watch.me/live-tv/eurosport-live-stream

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

The scoring and placements have been absolutely spot on.

 

[ForeverFish]

And she did break 60..

Barely, but she did it!

Akiko is so beautiful. I could watch her skate all day.

 

[dwiggin3]

The scoring and placements have been absolutely spot on.

Refreshing isn't it!

 

[hurrah]

The scoring and placements have been absolutely spot on.

Yes.

 

[aniela]

British Eurosport!

http://www.stream2watch.me/live-tv/eurosport-live-stream

thanks!

 

[calstudent]

Refreshing isn't it!

Wait till we see the final group.