(Oops - moved my post over from the competition thread. Meant to post it here.)
@tsuyoboogie You are doing god's work here! Thank you so much! When I read Jackie Wong's comment that this last group of men's skaters was "Quite possibly the most incredible group of six free skaters I've ever seen", I knew I was in for a treat. And these guys certainly didn't disappoint! Kudos to the audience who was with the skaters every step of the way and bursting into applause before they had even finished. You could tell these were experienced skating fans who knew they were witnessing a great final group!
Kazuki -- Love that he's doing a little different style program this season. I know everyone loves to see him racing around to La La Land, conducting an orchestra, etc., but this was a soulful, beautiful performance from him. I love the Halston music. Now if I could just get him to have a little more extension on his free leg.
Shun -- He has grown by leaps and bounds. Love his speed, and that opening 4Lz was a beauty. There were a couple times in the "Winter" section where it felt like he was chasing the music a bit, but this was a program to be proud of.
Kao -- Ok, give this guy a speeding ticket. LOL. Loved his passion, determination, cool moves that matched the music, super-fast rotation on his jumps. Sometimes his speed makes the program get away from him, but not today. I think it lends itself to some of his moves having an unfinished look, but these are things he'll fix as he gets a little more experience. Spins -- well, I think he might want to schedule a session with the spin doctor.
Yuma -- What can I say?! Well-deserved 1st in the free. Glad to see his gorgeous, textbook 4S was back. I'm sure he had "redemption skate" on the brain, and this was really it. Great job. This program had only two quads, so I can see him going to greater heights when he's able to put even more quads back in.
Sota -- Ok, I love a good warhorse, and his "Muse" with Kenji Miyamoto choreo really did shine here today. He has the most beautiful posture! I was hoping Team Yamada would correct his tendency to drop his arms to his sides for a long time (sometimes with clenched fists) as he goes into his jumps. Maybe they'll work on that. Glad to see him really deliver in the free, as I've always thought of him as more of a short program skater. Super happy to see him on the podium.
Shoma -- I know he's used to skating last, but I wondered what that was like being back stage and hearing the audience going bonkers (moreso than usual!) ! Not a perfect skate by any means, but I love the stillness of this program. Another Kenji Miyamoto choreo. Favorite move -- the back outside edge transition where he then steps up into the 3A. Sho, you are a master of the blade, or as Kurt Browning said, ":He's never NOT talking to the blade." Now if we can just get him to change his 90 year old boots before Worlds. Please!!!!!
That was truly amazing. I feel like Christmas came early!
He has improved so much, just such a deep field.
