I watched the women's and men's.
Just my thoughts.
Beer prices are quite good compared to other arenas around the world $4.28 USD for 500ml, but of course beer is a lot cheaper at regular pubs around Prague.
Petrokina was in great form she puts in a lot of jumps, and having a lot of consistency with her 3-3. She's going to be a good chance for a podium, if not a win if a couple of them bomb. Seeing her in person you notice how she's in such great shape, and a powerful physique. Impressive given the challenges she has faced with her health. I'm really hoping she gets on a podium this is her chance.
Sakamoto was consistent too, did a 3-3 in the second half in her practice run.
Samo looked a little nervous out there I don't know why she has the speed, flow, power, few of the other girls have.
Glenn is a really powerful skater has a lot of presence out there, in a way that you don't see on TV. Live she does not look so wooden in her choreography, but then again it's practice and maybe she'll be nervous and tighten up tomorrow when it counts. Her triple axels were effortless and impressive. She's so big and commanding out there. She got in the way of the Azeri girl I think it was (small fed skater on her own) which was unfortunate.
I already liked Sauter, but she comes off even better in person.
Kaiser was doing okay, messing up some combos, landing some 3-3 combos, but getting really down on herself. I don't know if that is her normal training process or not, I thought she was going to cry after every failed jump. She actually has quite a good presence in person.
Gubanova impressed me she's much faster than I expected and consistent.
Jia Shin has some beautiful, consistent combos she was doing some of them almost in front of me, no hooks like many of other skaters. Let's hope they stop underscoring her. If she were born a little to the east the score would be in the low to mid 70's every time for a short program.
Isabeau was successfully doing a few 3-3 combos with a 3Lo on the end. What surprised me about Isabeau, is how much better she is perceived on TV than live. It seems very small, much like Pinzaronne as well. The jumps are really problematic. I really did not expect to have that impression of Isabeau. Certainly didn't expect Glenn to impress me far more than Isabeau.
With the men, it was all about Ilia and he didn't jump anything in the initial warm up, no jumps in his run through, then did some quads at the, plus a backflip. I think a third of the crowd left once he had finished, even though the Japanese were still to come.
. you are a trooper if you were able to do both. Such long days.
