Wow! I am
so psyched for Joannie! Yes!
As for Group A, I know it ain't over, but see? I told ya Kimmie was up in the stands at the Olympics not thinking how she could learn from "the veterans," but rather, "I can take every one of 'em."

I mean that as a compliment. Kimmie is hungry, she's competitive, she's got good technique, she's full of youthful energy, and she's not full of the aches and pains of the veterans. Of course she lacks experience, which may show up as the event continues. OTOH, Kimmie is one determined young lady. Man-o-man! 1/100th of a point behind Suguri. That is something.
Congrats, of course, to Fumie, as well. In '02 she came from a disappointing OWG to win World bronze. Maybe this time the medal will be....? Best wishes to her.
Sasha's third in her group and fifth overall, and although I find it hard, I have to remind myself that placement means nothing under COP. It's the points. She fell twice for a 2.00 deduction and basically is 1.00 out of first place with 27.59 points. Of course, this doesn't mean she won't fall again in the SP and/or LP and 1.00 or 2.00 herself off the podium.
Rochette is definitely the story of the Q rounds. Combining both groups, the top six play out:
Rochette 29.28
Nakano 27.79
Suguri 27.47
Meissner 27.46
Cohen 27.59
Hughes 25.68
Too early for me to tell, though my heart is with Joannie and Sasha. Joannie because I think she's been undermarked all season; Cohen because I think her body is the most beat up and IMO this is her last chance to win World gold, or perhaps any kind of gold. Sasha made me think of Jill Trenary the other day. Well-trained and gorgeous, but she was a hairball of nerves on the ice. A real shame.
Of course I want all medalists to deserve them with their skating. The above is just sentiment.
Rgirl