2024 NHK Trophy Pairs Short Program

[figureskatingandrainbows]

8. Riku MIURA / Ryuichi KIHARA
Paint It Black, choreo by Shae-Lynn Bourne

3Tw3
3T<< (Riku pops open, steps out)
4Li4
3LzTh (tad bit forwards)
CCoSp (great unison)
StSq4
BoDs3

SP: 71.90 (1st)

I love this short program for them, and in terms of choreography and performance, it's only gotten better since SkAm. They've improved their twist so much since last season - it's so much higher than before. I love that they don't finish with the spins, unlike every other team here, and that step sequence is so good. Even with that SBS mistake, everything they do just has such quality.

 

[rain]

This Paint it Black is the best program by anyone in recent years.

 

[Dawn825]

Love the program

 

[Ichatdelune]

Her 3T<< may cost them the small gold, but otherwise pretty much excellent

 

[Arriba627]

Great speed and attack from R & R. Awesome decision to try a new choreographer. So glad they had a good skate for this appreciative home crowd. Beautiful sbs spins.

That was a satisfying short program competition! The free is going to be a barn burner!!!

 

[tsuyoboogie]

Fell asleep during 6min warmup? and woke up mid RikuRyu's skate

 

[Ichatdelune]

Her 3T<< may cost them the small gold, but otherwise pretty much excellent

I apparently miscalculated how much PCS they were going to get

 

[Ichatdelune]

@figureskatingandrainbows Niji how are you holding up? Do you need a 30-minute power nap?

 

[figureskatingandrainbows]

@figureskatingandrainbows Niji how are you holding up? Do you need a 30-minute power nap?

I am doing very well, thank you! I am taking power naps where needed and ungodly hour sushi is keeping me going!

 

[Flying Feijoa]

I see Rinky has developed a taste for SBS spins today

 

[moonvine]

Japan is also keeping the covid-era rules, I presume? KSU also isn't allowing stuffie tossing either, here you have to relay your gifts to a staff member who will label and pass them to the skater(s)

That’s so sad

 

[slider11]

6 Ellie KAM / Danny O'SHEA
Rain, in Your Black Eyes by Ezio Bosso, choreo by Drew Meekins

3Tw3
3S
3LoTh (holds on, crazy lift entry)
BoDs
CCoSp2 (little out of sync on upright, Danny puts foot down early on change to upright and travels)
StSq (just fantastic both choreographically and performance-wise)
4Li4 (so so good!)

SP: 69.15 (2nd)

This program is really fantastic - Danny and Ellie are incredible skaters, and the transitional content in this program is remarkable. They finally seem to have found their groove - those SBS jumps and throws are firing at last. I think Danny got a little too excited after she landed that throw, hence the spin mistake - he almost threw her into the stands on that step sequence opening choreo lift.

Agreed! Fabulous short program!

 

[GGFan]

Glad that Ellie and Danny were patient and I hope he sticks around until 2030. I think part of their problem was that they were attempting content and transitions that they were not ready for in their first couple years. Well it's all coming together and it is beautiful to see. Hope they can keep it together in the free.

The Nationals audience is gonna go wild in January.

 

[Sai Bon]

Still staid, sorry.

You are hard to please (I mean you have high standards), TallyT!

 

[Sai Bon]

Just caught up. Gutted for RikuRyu (Riku messing up her 3T) - bet she is so cross with herself. Thrilled for YunaSumi - they looked much more stable than last time I saw them. The Georgians are not my cup of tea, but they were fun to watch and looked so confident. Ellie and Danny look better and better each time they go out.

 

[TallyT]

You are hard to please (I mean you have high standards), TallyT!

I am also well aware that not everyone agrees with me at all

 

[moonvine]

Glad that Ellie and Danny were patient and I hope he sticks around until 2030. I think part of their problem was that they were attempting content and transitions that they were not ready for in their first couple years. Well it's all coming together and it is beautiful to see. Hope they can keep it together in the free.

The Nationals audience is gonna go will in January.

As well they should.