2012 NHK Trophy Free Dance

[WeakAnkles]

Sochi is near and Russia cannot go in without teams in contention. I predict they will fall behind the Russians here.

Bingo. Alas...

 

[bigsisjiejie]

I seriously disagree with I/K being ahead of Shibs. Want to see those protocols.

 

[wallylutz]

I don't think they have Japanese citizenship. Am I wrong?

They do, by birth, they are Japanese citizens because their parents are.

 

[bigsisjiejie]

Heard a lot of early criticism about this D/W FD, but I think it's starting to gel!

 

[Mrs. P]

I seriously disagree with I/K being ahead of Shibs. Want to see those protocols.

It's likely a loss in levels, which I expect from them this early in the season.

ETA: Actually they lost by 2.06 while the PCS gap is 2.68 points. I/K definitely is overscored in this regard.

 

[tulosai]

Heard a lot of early criticism about this D/W FD, but I think it's starting to gel!

Yes, this is another one I liked a LOT better on the second viewing. For half a second I sort of almost believed a romantic connection which actually I think is huge. (And this comes from a HUGE D/W fan).

 

[missysays]

Meryl and Charlie skated that well. The program is improving.

 

[bigsisjiejie]

It's likely a loss in levels, which I expect from them this early in the season.

Yeah, possibly. This is fixable.

Shibs competing for Japan is an interesting thought. But the USFS would never release them early, so they'd have to sit out a year (2 years?) of international competition before they could represent Japan, and that would likely stop their skating career momentum. Unless of course, the Japanese Federation makes a BIG Gift to the USFSA.

 

[blue_idealist]

I love Davis and White, but the music annoys me. The dramatic ending was beautiful though!

 

[Whitneyskates]

That was much much better than Skate America. I love the new details they've added and I think the bells add a great dramatic touch to the music.

 

[tulosai]

I love Davis and White, but the music annoys me. The dramatic ending was beautiful though!

Yes, I have never seen anything like that second to last lift. Also, even on the internet their speed compared to the others is quite obviously better.

 

[samson]

Meryl and Charlie. Shutting it down as usual. Can't wait to watch it without a skipping feed.

 

[jolen]

Really enjoyed d/w. Great momentum ,ease in and out of lifts and fantastic ending.
Congrats to o/w for fourth place finish.

 

[pitterpatter]

D/W skated great! I think the theme/performance is coming along, but I find the music cuts a bit abrupt.

Wouldn't the Shibs have to give up their US citizenship to skate for Japan in the Olympics? Really doubt that's something they'd be willing to do...

 

[WeakAnkles]

Yes, this is another one I liked a LOT better on the second viewing. For half a second I sort of almost believed a romantic connection which actually I think is huge. (And this comes from a HUGE D/W fan).

With a 9.86 in INT, it looks like the judges agree with you...

This should make for a VERY interesting GPF with Voir.

 

[figuristka]

D/W looked to have so much speed and flow. They make it look easy. Enjoyed their program alot , still don't sense the strong chemistry though. Iam a bit surprised they scored quite that high but V/M still seem to slow down at the end of their free and hopefully will improve that.

 

[auser]

I don't think they have Japanese citizenship. Am I wrong?

I am not a lawyer. And I certainly do not know Japanese law regarding citizenship. Shibs are of Japanese heritage, but were born and raised in USA. If I remember correctly, Rena Inoue had to give up Japanese citizenship to skate with John Baldwin Jr. for USA

 

[Mrs. P]

Yeah, possibly. This is fixable.

Shibs competing for Japan is an interesting thought. But the USFS would never release them early, so they'd have to sit out a year (2 years?) of international competition before they could represent Japan, and that would likely stop their skating career momentum. Unless of course, the Japanese Federation makes a BIG Gift to the USFSA.

Besides the fact they're of Japanese decent and would always win National championships, I see little to be gained by going to Team Japan. With their score at NHK, they are currently No. 2 among U.S. teams on the GP series by 5 points (ahead of C/B).

Overall, the Shibs are No. 8 on the season's best list, but in the FD they are No. 7, ahead of W/P and behind C/L. They are No. 9 in the SD, so they'll have to work on that, I suppose.

Besides, I think while Maia and Alex take pride in their Japanese heritage, I think they are proud to represent the U.S. They do not seem like a team that would jump ship for the sake of politics or placement.

 

[evangeline]

Unless of course, the Japanese Federation makes a BIG Gift to the USFSA.

What about this: Japan has way too many talented male skaters. The US has many talented dance teams.

Ergo, the US should trade away the Shibs in exchange for Takahiko Kozuka or Nobunari Oda

 

[Mrs. P]

What about this: Japan has way too many talented male skaters. The US has many talented dance teams.

Ergo, the US should trade away the Shibs in exchange for Takahiko Kozuka or Nobunari Oda

Nah, if the Shibs are going to go to Japan, they are going to want to be on the same team as their good buddy Taka. Give Oda to the U.S. (And Machida)!