2024 Cup of China: Pairs' Thoughts?

[gsk8]

Conti and Macii grab elusive Grand Prix gold in China

2024 Cup of China | Pairs Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii of Italy grabbed their first Grand Prix gold in the Pairs' event at Cup of China, bringing the

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Conti and Macii now have 8 GP medals and finally got their gold at this event!

I enjoy the Canadians "Tango" routine and hope to see it polished later in the season. Pereira used Olivia Smart’s dress from the 2018-19 rhythm dance.

It will be interesting seeing how the Italians and Germans fare against each other at the Final.

What are your thoughts on this event?

 

[ladyjane]

It's very funny that the pairgirl whom I found the classiest dresswise, was actually dressed in a hand-me-down (and a really good one). I had fun during the pairs event. Here'what I wrote down immediately after the FS (cross-posting):

Another nice watch. Sad for the Chinese, glad for the redemption of Katie and Daniil, Isabella and Alexandr showed us some elegance, Camille and Pavel are on the way back, I keep on loving Ioulia's smile, it makes no difference who she skates with, it's just a glory, glad to see Lia and Trennt getting back to form as well if not perfect, and the 1-2 in the final standings were just wonderful. I think Hasse Minerva and Nikita had the better skate today, but it was really close. Well chosen vehicles for both pairs. Glad to see Sara and Niccolo so happy in the KnC.

It was exciting with such close call, with mistake, but also great skates. Looking forward to the Final!

 

[skylark]

Minerva Fabienne and Nikita actually won the free skate ... even though Minerva had been suffering from food poisoning since the first night upon arriving in China. I could tell ... she was definitely more red-faced than usual. The fact that they could perform so well under those circumstances was really impressive. And it's one more experience they can chalk up as a victory over a very tough challenge.

I love Hase/Volodin's skating and their programs. It's "popular" to say they're not artistic, but it depends on one's taste and definition. I absolutely love their programs; Minerva's engagement with the programs is beautiful, and Nikita's nicely coming up to her level and supporting her. Their elements thrill me; and to me that's a mark in favor of the impact of programs. Alone, it's not enough, but if it thrills some viewers/audience members, it counts.

I really dislike Conti/Macii's music, but I love their emotional engagement and expression. Also liked Conti's costume. I found their quotes, in Paula's article, very interesting, and also Minerva's.

I was and am very happy that Katie McBeath and Daniil Parkman had such a wonderful redemption skate!

 

[aroundtheworld778]

I loved the "upset" at the top. I think it sets up for an exciting GPF, at least for us fans. Rooting for Miniki!

McBeath/Parkman's redemption skate was fantastic! What grit and perseverance. I think they could be a real option for the second US couple at Boston. I wouldn't hand it just yet to Ef/Mit or Chan/Howe. This is side detail but I do wish Katie could change her costume and/or hairstyle, the aesthetics are just a bit harsh for her skin tone and facial structure.

So proud of Gamez/Korovin for their GP debut! Kind of sad that they still get hit with low PCS scores. In the short program, only the Chinese and Swiss judges placed them ahead of the relatively raw Chinese pair. Also, I wonder why they keep going for the 3S when they could get a better score landing a clean 2S. Perhaps it means that Isabella has been able to land a 3S in practice but hasn't yet shown it in competition.

Camille and Pavel didn't improve too much on their SB and I wonder if this is the peak of their comeback. Also not a huge fan of the "Toxic" SP but the FP is enjoyable. Anyway, there is still half a season left.

 

[Rebecca Moose]

The Germans' lack of speed is glaring and distracting and disqualifying. While they have other very fine qualities, I cannot get on board with this team until they start to skate faster. I think both skaters have decent basic skating, but they really need to push. Until then, I will be rooting for Stellato, Miura, and Conti to place above them at Grand Prix Final, and eventually, Worlds.

 

[paulusfr]

My thoughts on Hase and Volodin.

I would like to express my admiration for this team for their great fighting spirit. Last year Nikita skated sick and out of form in the Grand Prix Final, now it's Minerva who was suffering from the effects of food poisoning right after landing in China and yet managed to do two clean skates. It was noticeable how hard it was for her. Tatiana Flade spoke about it in detail: https://youtu.be/SaeMFaGyCG8?t=900 Unsurprisingly the presentation aspect in the free was affected due to her condition.

Speaking of presentation. Unfortunate fall for Volodin, but otherwise I thought the short program was good, they hit a lot of musical accents. Their costumes are really good. However you can tell it's a new style for them, it's more challenging than the program they had last year. I would like to see more connection to each other for a bluesy program. She was performing, but I want more from him. For them to perform together at all times. They're still a bit cold to each other, especially him. Chemistry is not quite there yet. The Italians are better in this regard, they feel each other very well.

I didn't really enjoy their renewed free program thus far. Neither here nor in France. Although the elements were executed fairly well. They had different music at Nebelhorn and I felt like it worked better because oddly enough the choreography and the elements were better matched to the music. The program looked more balanced. It was very dramatic. Now I get the feeling that the music mostly just goes in the background for the first three minutes, and the program looks rather bland in comparison. Two-handed swinging exit out of the death spiral looks out of place to me. Previously they had some choreography there which enhanced the drama, I loved that moment. They took out all the drama and now they're talking about the need to add drama. Go figure.

Also, transparent skirt with yellow stains is gone. People complained, so I guess it's good.

When it comes to their speed, I watched them last year, I watched them this year at Nebelhorn and they didn't look too slow to me. It makes sense to wait until they get in top physical condition for major competitions this season. Of course, they will never be as fast and agile as the Japanese and other physically smaller teams. Skaters with a larger build can't easily manage their size; their stamina is not as good, but they make up for it with their appearance and presence, especially if they have nice lines and sleek elegance. Minerva and Nikita have incredible elegance and refinement in their movements which I find absolutely enchanting. When they start moving too fast, it may not show off their strengths, and their skating doesn't look as appealing and special. I think everything has to be balanced.

 

[cailuj365]

I also like H/V's music from Nebelhorn better even though it was not supposed to be the right one. It was more dramatic in the beginning and served as a better contrast from the quicker, lighter second half. So glad she got rid of the yellow stained skirt. They are a very elegant team.

 

[Rebecca Moose]

My thoughts on Hase and Volodin.

I would like to express my admiration for this team for their great fighting spirit. Last year Nikita skated sick and out of form in the Grand Prix Final, now it's Minerva who was suffering from the effects of food poisoning right after landing in China and yet managed to do two clean skates. It was noticeable how hard it was for her. Tatiana Flade spoke about it in detail: https://youtu.be/SaeMFaGyCG8?t=900 Unsurprisingly the presentation aspect in the free was affected due to her condition.

Speaking of presentation. Unfortunate fall for Volodin, but otherwise I thought the short program was good, they hit a lot of musical accents. Their costumes are really good. However you can tell it's a new style for them, it's more challenging than the program they had last year. I would like to see more connection to each other for a bluesy program. She was performing, but I want more from him. For them to perform together at all times. They're still a bit cold to each other, especially him. Chemistry is not quite there yet. The Italians are better in this regard, they feel each other very well.

I didn't really enjoy their renewed free program thus far. Neither here nor in France. Although the elements were executed fairly well. They had different music at Nebelhorn and I felt like it worked better because oddly enough the choreography and the elements were better matched to the music. The program looked more balanced. It was very dramatic. Now I get the feeling that the music mostly just goes in the background for the first three minutes, and the program looks rather bland in comparison. Two-handed swinging exit out of the death spiral looks out of place to me. Previously they had some choreography there which enhanced the drama, I loved that moment. They took out all the drama and now they're talking about the need to add drama. Go figure.

Also, transparent skirt with yellow stains is gone. People complained, so I guess it's good.

When it comes to their speed, I watched them last year, I watched them this year at Nebelhorn and they didn't look too slow to me. It makes sense to wait until they get in top physical condition for major competitions this season. Of course, they will never be as fast and agile as the Japanese and other physically smaller teams. Skaters with a larger build can't easily manage their size; their stamina is not as good, but they make up for it with their appearance and presence, especially if they have nice lines and sleek elegance. Minerva and Nikita have incredible elegance and refinement in their movements which I find absolutely enchanting. When they start moving too fast, it may not show off their strengths, and their skating doesn't look as appealing and special. I think everything has to be balanced.

Nice post. Thank you for your thoughts.

I agree on the long program music -- and while she's giving all the face, he seems disconnected. The chemistry seems slightly off. Not egregious but lacking compared to the other top teams. Even Guarise and his partner last season seemed to have better chemistry, and they have a massive age difference and different skating styles.

I am happy to hear they are not too slow in person, but I still would like to see them push this aspect a little more. I think everything could be a little more exciting and amplified with just a little more speed. Perhaps once their health issues are resolved, this can be addressed. I realize I am being somewhat harsh on them, but only because they have a high ceiling and much potential.

Side note: I watched Savchenko/Massot 2018 winning long program last night. And why it was a legendary performance and unfair comparison, I still think all the top teams need to work on their connection and performance quality. I hope we will see more connection, speed, and performance by Worlds.