How do you know that. Remember he didnt compete at worlds this year so would have to face a top 3 seed at any event. Hanyu and Fernandez are obviously very capable of beating him. Hanyu would be favored to for the time being anyway in fact. Machida is less certain, but based on his skating at worlds he would have some chance of beating inconsistent Chan in a head to head too.
Of course he could win grand prixs but it wouldnt be the cakewalk you portray now that he no longer would be a top seed.
Excellent points.
I'll add that I'm not a Chan fan at all, but I think the reaction to his free skate at this year's Olympics was far too harsh. I don't recall Chan falling on his face, but even if he did, pretty much everyone who was in medal contention had a bad to mediocre night. I try not to joke about skaters having bad performances, however, and I don't understand all the snide comments about the event.