- Joined
- Oct 25, 2012
Japan: I think as long as the non-Worlds guys are sent to 4CC for an opportunity improve on their SB, then I think we can expect all those guys to be back for the pre-Olympic GP next fall. Even if some of them don't get a 4CC assignment, their SB from this season should be enough for them to get two events fairly easy. Basically as long as Oda/Machida/Mura stays in the top 24 they are golden.
I think the most vulnerable person for Worlds is Kozuka, which pains me to say as I really like his programs this season and he was a delight to watch at Skate America. Kozuka may have better PCS than Oda, but Oda can make up any deficit by hitting all the jumps and racking up the TES. And as far as face-to-face match up at Japanese Nationals, Kozuka has only beaten Oda once, when he won 2011 Nationals. I don't think Oda is as out of the running as some think.
Interesting take on Oda, it'll be interesting to see how things pan out. I really don't know where he fits into the picture, because even though he's been skating well, he's the only one out of the 6 Japanese men to not have won a gold GP medal. I still think even 4th place will be a battle for him. Kozuka's Worlds spot should be safe, he's done well enough this season to show that he belongs there and his GPF points total was in the same ballpark range as the top four.
Who they're going to send to 4CC is also a big question. In past years I believe they've sent 1st, 2nd and 4th, but you'd think they'd be looking to give their other skaters more chances this time around. The problem is that 4CC is in Japan this year, so they'll be wanting to send their stars. I don't know if Hanyu would even want to go, since making a trip back to Japan in February could impact his training time with Orser.