I/k levels are pathetic. If they aren't really interested or one has lost interest they can retire.
This is unnecessarily unkind. What they seem to have done is focused on the artistic at the start of the season. Much improved from last years S/D even though the score may be lower! With them it just takes time to gel technically. Truth be told I have only watched their S/D over and over. They have my favourite S/D of the season. I honestly don't even care where they place they are amazing to watch.
I dont see how even if they were focused on artistry their tech could get to a point where they really were the worst team at this event technically. 4 level 2's? That is so bad I don't see how it could be planned even if focus was on artistry. They had no interest in going to the gpf? Maybe they don't but they made themselves look so bad here. Like they want to retire.
scores in NHK were only fair in Dance and Pairs, also inflated in Ladies in Men
by ranking of most inflated GP so far
1 SC - known as the most shady GP event
2 SA
3 NHK
I/K's BV was only three points higher than S/Z, who lost an entire Finnstep sequence:
Question about levels. If Davis/White got only level 3 on their twizzles (and I notice the Shibutani's got level 4 as well as Cappallini/Lanotte) does that mean one of them didn't get their hand on their blade soon enough?
The Japanese fans are enthusiastic about ALL the disciplines! Lucky them to have witness the future 2014 Olympic Champions Davis & White!
A very good short dance competition. The skating quality rose up several notches from Cup of China.
Z/S -- Shame about the fall. Up to that point I enjoyed their performance.
S/S -- I thought they did much better here. I was totally into their performance, smiling during almost all of it. Hope they are able to carry through and have a good FD.
I/K -- Really like their program. The costumes goes along well with their music. I just wish there was a little more eye contact between them.
C/L -- Kudos to Luca for making such an impressive recovery from that trip! I'm liking this program more and more.
D/W -- they weren't perfect, but I saw much improvement in their program; and it can grow even more! I could watch them skate like that all night.
Hoping for a marvelous free dance from all the teams!