As much as I like Kwak and hope that this happens, I think that's a stretch. IMO the field is too strong for her to break into the top 10, unless a number of other skaters screw up. I was pleased with her performance in the Olympics, but her high placement was partially due to some other, generally stronger skaters messing up.
Not to mention, she has hardly any international recognition, and someone else said that that means her PCS will probably be low, which will work against her.
(Disclaimer: I am by no means a figure skating expert, so this is all coming from a **very** amateur perspective, lol.)
LOL, I can't recall! Wasn't paying too much attention to many of the girls before the final flight. Kostner was one of them, though. Although, yeah, the poor woman does seem to be a bit of a headcase so it's entirely possible that she'll implode again at World's.Are these "generally stronger" skaters you speak of Kostner, Gedevanishvilli, and Meier?
Are these "generally stronger" skaters you speak of Kostner, Gedevanishvilli, and Meier? Because if that is the case, they are all very weak competitors and their results at the Olympics were not really surprising to anyone. When they are on, yes, they are better than Kwak (Gedevanishvilli and Meier hardly though, IMO) but they have been doing poorly all season. With no Joannie I see a 12th place finish as plausible, doesn't mean it will happen but it could. Kwak almost beat Cynthia at the Olympics and she's also unpredictable, and Korpi had the SOHL in the LP and still only beat Kwak by 5 points. I think there is a chance she could make the top 10, as I would say that in addition to the people she placed ahead of at the Olympics, she has a shot at finishing ahead of Phanuef, Korpi, and Makarova as well, depending on how they all skate. If MJ had been clean in the LP in Vancouver her score would have been about 108 so she has a shot, especially if her PCS go up again like they did between 4CC and the Olympics. We'll see though, hopefully she can perform well again and as always, it depends on those Euro ladies
Yuna will win even if she makes a mistake or two. Her SP is so monsterous, and only Asada has a chance of striking within distance. Miki, Marai, Rachael, Laura, Akiko could round up the top 6, but even if their SP is absolutely clean, it will be in 66-68 range most and will be at least 6-8 deficit. IF any skater can reach the 70s range, it will be Marai and she will probably going to need 3+3.
LP will be diffrent, and maybe Asada can over take Kim, if she land all her jumps clean and if Yuna pop a jump or make a miskate on one of her two big element, either her 3+3 or 2A+3T. Other wise Kim will probably walk a way with another world title, but I don't see her making another world record again.
I think Kwak can do it with a clean skate. Although I'm not predicting a splatfest, I find it likely that the level of women's LP is going to drop from the Olympics. All of the top 10 in Vancouver had a strong skate, which was quite exceptional. I'm certain that you don't need 170 points for 10th place in Turin. 160 could be enough.
I'm predicting the same for Korpi. She did not have a SOHL in Vancouver, she missed a 3L which is her strongest jump. Considering her poor SP I think she's one of those who really want to prove their skills in Worlds.
source:
http://news.nate.com/view/20100324n02693?mid=s0601
MJ looks really tired... her salcow seems to be improved, though.
Because Yuna took a day off to rest (she went to see the ice dance) MJ practiced with Orser in the main rink. She fell few times but Orser stayed close clapping and cheering her on. Love his coaching style. Orser said of MJ "as passionate as Yuna at age 16"
I know a lot of people think or may be wish that she's the next Yuna but from what little I have seen of her, I don't think she has the "wow" factor. What do you guys think?