Yuzuru Hanyu: 2013-14 Season

[Meoima]

He actually needs a strong competition in order to show his best. He is not comfortable being considered a sure fire winner. He needs to chase smbd to win, to fight, to earn the gold gloriously. I hope Javi brings stronger performances on the upcoming season. I don't think Machida is happy with loosing the Worlds' titile, he could be another strong rival.
Kovtun is the most promoted by Russians and if he owns his nerves he can actually jump his multi-quads and even if I'm overall not charmed with his skating style he might be consirederd a contender. Artur on the other hand had lost his international success but who knows what TAT has for him on her sleeve. He had actually changed the boots with shorter heels (Mishin for Plushy style) to the usual ones and said his skating already feels different, those who saw him performing during the Ruassian show said he actually skated like never before, less Plushy-like and more expressive. I'm sure he'd like to regain his points again and might actually fight for the first spot in Russia.
May I be the only one who actually liked the programs from Han Yan last year? I think he might actually be a threat for the upcoming season or two, maybe more, who knows. I love his 3A, and if he comes with couple of solid quads...
I guess I'd love to see if Michael Christian Martinez could become an Olympic threat. His history could be quite intriguing if he finds a proper financial support. He's got the gift and is very popular with the crowd.

Also I'd love to see Adian Pitkeev progress. I love his fluid skating. In case he works with good choreographers he might actually be more artistic.

BTW- Brian Orser has smbd else to claim next Olys gold- Nam Nguyen. That Toronto Club might actually become a crowded place for three contenders...

Frankly I see that Pitkeev is more talented than Nam. But I think Nam has more character. Pitkeev surely is talented but I feel he is a bit robotic and generic (after watching his other performances). I couldn't feel much enthusiastic energy from him except his long at the junior world. Nam, on the other hand, is quite a refresh character and he is more likable.

At the same age, Plushy showed more sparkling factor (maybe because I am biased towards Plushy, lol). But frankly, while Plushy at 15 was cute and confident (very cute indeed), Pitkeev gave me the vibe of confident but not as cute. hwell: anyways I just want to say Plushy at the same age was much cuter and he did beautiful Bielmann while Pitkeev did not.
I think the rivalry in the future could be more like Nam vs Pitkeev. That would be fun to see since they are in the same generation.

Michael Martinez is a head-case for me, not because of his talents, but because of his supporters. He is lovely and I see nothing wrong with his mother and team asking for supporting since FS is very costly. But after reading some campaigns and articles asking for funding, I feel like the people in charge are being too dramatic. This story has been talked over in FSuniverse forum so I don't want to repeat it much. I don't want to offend anyone either.

But... How do I say it...all the dramatic words they use in those articles about Martinez kinda pushed me away. I mean, FS is a costly sport, and it's extremely costly for all skaters. So if you choose this sport, you have to accept all the fees, injuries and risks because everyone (who are not top skaters) also have to overcome. Okay his country doesn't have proper ice rink, but it's not like other poor skaters from other countries always have proper ice rink either. Lots of other skaters also have problem with the funding for their training, but I don't see them complain that much. Anyways it's not Martinez's faults but still...

As for Kovtun and Gachinski, obviously I see Gachinski as the more talented. There is something about Kovtun that I don't like, not just because of his not-easy-to-the-eyes skating, but maybe I don't feel the vibe "likeable" from him as much as from Gachinski.

 

[Sandpiper]

I think Javi would be Yuzu's strongest competition going forward. Great jumper and stylish performer (please no more striped pants though!). I'm pulling for Machida too--though I'm not really a fan (don't see him as a better artist than Yuzu at all), I hope he wins one Worlds in the future because he skated so well in 2014 and the results could've gone either way.

I've never seen Artur as particularly Plushy-like (especially not 18-20-year-old Plushy). Plushy was more of a showman/performer. I think Artur's more inwardly focused. I've always felt the "clone" descriptors were just grasping at straws to disparage him. I agree he's lost a lot of momentum due to his own inconsistency and struggles though. Honestly, I would prefer any of Artur, Pitkeev, Voronov, or Menshov being Russian #1 over Kovtun. Kovtun always seems to... I dunno, sulk through his performances. Not very fun to watch.

I like Pitkeev, but he is very young and I'm worried about the Russian Fed. throwing him into seniors at such a young age. But it worked well for Yuzu and Plushy. I hope he doesn't get injured from starting the quad young (which I suspect he will).

I just found Han Yan's SP to be an awkward attempt at being cute. Just 'cause he's 17 doesn't mean he needs to be given that kind of program. It didn't fit him. I... don't really remember his LP too clearly... Also, I'm actually not a fan of his long, low arc in the 3A. I much prefer Yuzu's textbook air position.

We'll see about Nam. I think he and Pitkeev could have a wonderful rivalry in the future. But they may need to wait their turn while Yuzu and Javi are around.

I have a soft spot for MCM because he does a male Biellmann. Too early to call how he'll do in the future though.

 

[jimeonji]

I'm definitely not convinced by Kovtun either, I just thought him worth mentioning. In fact, I enjoy watching Pitkeev much more. But until Gachinski comes back strong it'll have to be Kovtun. And Nam... he impressed me at Jr Worlds but he still has work to do. (cough Pitkeev's 3a is much nicer) I don't think his skating is what Yuzuru's was at 2010 Jr Worlds, but who knows? A lot can happen in 4 years.

 

[Sorrento]

I think it was quite hard for Artur to be constantly pushed to nr.2 place in coach Mishin plans and it must have affected his skating style. So yes he seemes very reserved and inward like but I would also blaime the strange choreo choices for him. I've always been a huge fan of Russians but unfortunately I don't have a soft spot for neither of them at the moment. I can only see them being put into game for medals by their Federations and judges. Of course that implies their own hard work and great skating and jumping.
For the last few years I'm really drawn towards Team Japan, I love how they all have their own special things to enjoy. And I really am happy that Europe has a huge talent as Javi's, cause Europian Man figure skating is quite a low competition place towards the rest of the World.
MCM, well, I've only heard a story told during the Olympics so I think I'm quite OK with the small info that I have about him. I think whatever they do in order to keep him going is OK with me because I'm only going to folow his competitive life. And I think he has a potential to grow so it would be great if that happens.

 

[Sorrento]

Honestly, I would prefer any of Artur, Pitkeev, Voronov, or Menshov being Russian #1 over Kovtun.

You see I don't think Voronov and Menshov have more than two relatively successful seasons ahead. So I think that Russian Federation might actually push younger guys into the spotlight.

 

[Meoima]

I have a bad habit of researching too much. Once I find any intriguing skater, I do a lot of research about them. It's not like I choose anyone to like or dislike or just to ignore. I don't choose, it comes natural, emotions are subjective.

Anyways the matter of like or dislike is blind. The reason I like or not like any skaters might not have nothing to do with their skating. For example I like PChan at first because his Instagram's name is so cute. PChiddy! Sounds very funny so I started to like him. As for Dai, at first I noticed him because he is handsome. : I like Yulia is because she is very cute. I like Gachinski because he looked so helplessly when he is off. hwell: Of course all of them are incredible skaters, I can see that. My reasons for like/not like mostly sound unreasonable even to me.

I don't dislike MCM, it's just I am not into. I tried to like him, but when I read the articles and campaigns, I was like: "Oh... So dramatic. Too much dramatic. Uhg..." I don't want to offend anyone because I am irrational. I just want to explain why I am not into MCM anymore (this conversation happened in FSuniverse) People don't have to take my words too seriously.

Anyways, back to the thread, the reason I like Yuzuru started from his performance at Worlds 2012. I mean, he is totally against my taste in the first place. You can see my avatar to know who is my taste: handsome, manly, powerful and dramatic on ice like Yagudin! Yet I turn out to like a delicate young boy who is 19 but looks 15. I don't understand myself. But then again, love is blind.

 

[Pamigena]

thank you, echotpe, you're a treasured source of information, as always

But then again, love is blind.

not to mention deaf, dumb and stupid sounds like a good excuse to me

 

[Sorrento]

not to mention deaf, dumb and stupid sounds like a good excuse to me

How are we too many of a kind.

 

[unico]

For everyone wondering about Artur, here's a program he did at the end of April '14 that I got from fsu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_axiS871Vc
He's looking in really really good shape compared to anything we've seen from him recently. As a fan of both, I'm honestly rooting for him to stage an epic comeback sometime this quad so we can see a revival of the Gacchan-Hanyu rivalry with him as the new Russian #1 :yay:

 

[Sandpiper]

I think it was quite hard for Artur to be constantly pushed to nr.2 place in coach Mishin plans and it must have affected his skating style. So yes he seemes very reserved and inward like but I would also blaime the strange choreo choices for him. I've always been a huge fan of Russians but unfortunately I don't have a soft spot for neither of them at the moment. I can only see them being put into game for medals by their Federations and judges. Of course that implies their own hard work and great skating and jumping.

I didn't mean reserved and inward as a criticism. It's simply a different style of skating. If you wish to make comparisons to Team Japan, I'd say Plushy and Yuzu are very similar--both dramatic showmen. They are aware of the audience, of the judges, and feed off the energy of the arena. Whereas Artur feels more like Machida--even during competition, he is very focused on himself, like he's crafting a piece of work in a dark room.

I agree neither Voronov nor Menshov will last until Pyeongchang, and the Russian Fed. will want to invest in younger skaters. But they both can beat Kovtun on an off day, which will probably happen throughout the season. I'm not sure how invested in Kovtun the Russian Fed. is at the moment. He has a lot more backing and momentum than anyone else, but TAT taking on Artur + Pitkeev's move to senior could mean the Federation doesn't necessarily want to rely on just Kovtun for the next four years.

@Meoima
I think Pitkeev is a more talented skater than Nam. However, at this point, I think Nam is the more engaging performer.

 

[Meoima]

I agree neither Voronov nor Menshov will last until Pyeongchang, and the Russian Fed. will want to invest in younger skaters. But they both can beat Kovtun on an off day, which will probably happen throughout the season. I'm not sure how invested in Kovtun the Russian Fed. is at the moment. He has a lot more backing and momentum than anyone else, but TAT taking on Artur + Pitkeev's move to senior could mean the Federation doesn't necessarily want to rely on just Kovtun for the next four years.

I have to say Kovtun gives me a sulking vibe that I don't like. Especially after he finished his Lp at Saitama, he looked like he was very very pissed off at the audiences or the judges.
I was like: "Dude, you should be pissed off at yourself, not anyone else fault." And frankly his entry to the jumps are not pleased to the eyes. I mean some people give you the feeling that they are not likable, and Kovtun is one of them. But other than that, he is still pushed as Russian no 1 and he also has talents. Just not my cup of tea.

@Meoima
I think Pitkeev is a more talented skater than Nam. However, at this point, I think Nam is the more engaging performer.

I also have that feeling. It's so obvious Pitkeev has better jumping technique than Nam, but he looks very robotic, not natural. And even though he has some good qualities, I couldn't like him as much. He gave me the vibe of a good technique skater, but too heavy presentation. At the same age Plushy also looked confident but he was much more likable, way cuter than Pitkeev.
Nam looks juniorish, too. But he is much more open and more fresh than Pitkeev. I am curious to see these 2's rivalry in the future.

 

[Sandpiper]

The audience in Saitama was actually very supportive! Even on the single salchow. While I was sitting in front of my computer going . I don't know if he's a sulking person, and to be fair it shouldn't matter. I just wish he'd appear more charismatic during performances (Artur, at his best, is far more engaging. See his SP at 2012 Europeans).

"Robotic" is a tad harsh. I think Pitkeev does know how to use his arms and body, and his movements are fairly pleasing to the eye. But I don't sense a lot of heart behind his movements. He needs to hold positions a bit longer, add more flair to every movement. Also, I'm not such a fan of the music cut in the LP. Maybe I'm just too used to Plushy's version, but that version of Art on Ice was very obviously cut. It's like you could hear all the seams. (I wonder what made his team select that as the LP? Every single Russian skater already gets Plushy comparisons. Doesn't seem to have hurt Pikeev so far though).

 

[Hanmgse]

I don't dislike MCM, it's just I am not into. I tried to like him, but when I read the articles and campaigns, I was like: "Oh... So dramatic. Too much dramatic. Uhg..." I don't want to offend anyone because I am irrational. I just want to explain why I am not into MCM anymore (this conversation happened in FSuniverse) People don't have to take my words too seriously.

I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I literally over the drama

 

[skatefan22]

Yuzu dislikes mosquitoes very much~
http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/bmiddle/c10abc2fgw1ehppchp3utg206t06aqbg.gif
http://ww3.sinaimg.cn/bmiddle/c10abc2fgw1ehppcnjpchg208b07zkjo.gif

 

[Sandpiper]

Bad mosquito! No touching Yuzu's perfect skin!

 

[SuzyQ]

For everyone wondering about Artur, here's a program he did at the end of April '14 that I got from fsu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_axiS871Vc
He's looking in really really good shape compared to anything we've seen from him recently. As a fan of both, I'm honestly rooting for him to stage an epic comeback sometime this quad so we can see a revival of the Gacchan-Yuzu rivalry with him as the new Russian #1

Thank you for the link

Yes! Our Gacchan laugh: yes, so called by Japanese fans) seems to be back with better expressions :agree:
And he looks being with less Plushy-taste, which I felt before with his upper body movement especially for the preparation move for jumps.

The Gacchan-Yuzu rivalry

By the way, Kovtun is called 小布団 (kofuton) kun.

Small Futon (Japanese-style bedding or blanket)

 

[SuzyQ]

I agree neither Voronov nor Menshov will last until Pyeongchang, and the Russian Fed. will want to invest in younger skaters. But they both can beat Kovtun on an off day, which will probably happen throughout the season. I'm not sure how invested in Kovtun the Russian Fed. is at the moment. He has a lot more backing and momentum than anyone else, but TAT taking on Artur + Pitkeev's move to senior could mean the Federation doesn't necessarily want to rely on just Kovtun for the next four years.

@Meoima
I think Pitkeev is a more talented skater than Nam. However, at this point, I think Nam is the more engaging performer.

I think the strategy of Russian Federation for girl skaters is on successful track. On the other hand, as far as I see the music and choreo (and costumes) chosen for boys, honestly, I sometimes wonder what on earth they are thinking

 

[cruzceleste]

Another CMwith Yuzuru for Docomo?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnShRU3Irx8

 

[mikaboo]

I'm getting really nervous waiting for Yuzuru's Hana wa saku TV premiere starting in 5 minutes. It's not even a competition. And it's recorded. What's wrong with me :think:

Edit: OK, I can breathe now. That was beautiful

 

[Meoima]

I'm getting really nervous waiting for Yuzuru's Hana wa saku TV premiere starting in 5 minutes. It's not even a competition. And it's recorded. What's wrong with me :think:
Edit: OK, I can breathe now. That was beautiful

Did you record the ex? can you tell me what was the outfit? I am curious. I hope it's not anything...Weir-ish.