Ladies SP

[R.D.]

I don't think so. She seemed pretty driven and motivated after the Olympics. However, that may have changed as Asada and Ando seem to be the new face(s) of Japanese skating. Also, that Nakano girl isn't bad. I think it's Nakano that might take Suguri's "place" (hope that's clear to people.)

 

[SeaniBu]

I wonder if Suguri will retire after this competition. I wouldn't be surprised.

NO NO NO NO NO. That is the last time I want to hear that!!!!!!

 

[R.D.]

Sending all my positive energy Fumie's way!

Ah, that's what did it! It's your vibes Sean...that made her fail...

j/k

 

[SeaniBu]

Ah, that's what did it! It's your vibes Sean...that made her fail...

That is the thing, we have had dogs being brats to each other, dad needing his arm exercises, mom needs her eye taped, dishes, and a few emails answered and I have not been focusing on Fumie and sending her my "karmic energy dude."

Did you get my PM reply?

Yep, got another option?

 

[ks777]

I don't think so. She seemed pretty driven and motivated after the Olympics. However, that may have changed as Asada and Ando seem to be the new face(s) of Japanese skating. Also, that Nakano girl isn't bad.

The thing is, Fumie is getting inconsistant on her lutz and flip jumps. That's pretty much all she has, she can't do the loop jump and she only landed the salcow once this season. I am sure Fumie realizes that her time as a competitive skater is soon over.

 

[R.D.]

Well, we'll see what happens to her when you send your "karmic energy dude". :yes: Personally, I'm finding myself almost not caring who wins...well, OK I think I know who I want to win but will name no names...that way, Skate Gods have no idea :yes: and they can't read minds.

Yep, on the PM, got another option?

hmm...try megaupload.com, that's a reliable host :yes:

 

[R.D.]

The thing is, Fumie is getting inconsistant on her lutz and flip jumps. That's pretty much all she has, she can't do the loop jump and she only landed the salcow once this season. I am sure Fumie realizes that her time as a competitive skater is soon over.

She has been around for a really long time though and that's pretty impressive...especially without major injury (that I know of). She's had quite a career and has much to be proud of. Current World silver medalist, two World bronzes, and an Olympic 4th. (Japanese titles as well, but don't know how many.)

 

[artsciboy]

The thing is, Fumie is getting inconsistant on her lutz and flip jumps. That's pretty much all she has, she can't do the loop jump and she only landed the salcow once this season. I am sure Fumie realizes that her time as a competitive skater is soon over.

I don't think she's gotten inconsistent on her lutz and flip jumps. At the beginning of the season, she landed both lutzes and flips in every program and didn't miss a thing. I think part of the reason for her poor performance is the fact that just days ago she was competing in the Asian Winter Games. Plus, after missing the World Championships, I doubt she has been training as hard as she normally would.

 

[SeaniBu]

Sum it up as the most decorated Japanese lady.
Lack of sit spin, jumps not as consistant and some other little things...I just don't want to hear it. In denial. I think she could but wonder if she thinks she can. A spirt that never fades, just the CoP has a different agenda it seems. Love to see her....agh, I will ramble on for ever. I love to see her and I still have never seen her live. I have got to make it down to the springs this weekend.

Come on Bunniie Chan! We love you!!!!!

 

[Oscilla]

I think it's too soon to say that Fumie will retire. Her low placement here was rather to be expected. She was struggling with injuries this season and didn't have much time to rest and heal. She had only two days to recover from the Asian Winter Games - the combination of exhaustion, jet lag and altitude probably did her in. Some skaters (like Joannie) were cautious enough to arrive earlier in order to get accustomed to the altitude - Fumie could not do that.
Although I think it would be great to see her go pro eventually - she's even better in exhibitions than in competitions, IMHO - I hope she won't think of retiring just yet. I'd love for her to go out with a bang, rather than finish on a low note.

BTW, she has a lovely new dress for her SP:
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/09022007/4...ing-ladies-short-program-four-continents.html

That aside, congrats to Joannie for taking the lead and to Aki for the highest TES of the night!

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Well, we'll see what happens to her when you send your "karmic energy dude". :yes: Personally, I'm finding myself almost not caring who wins...well, OK I think I know who I want to win but will name no names...that way, Skate Gods have no idea :yes: and they can't read minds

Nothing wrong with that RD. I don't have a favorite in figure skating in general but I do love the sport and always wish for exciting contests. Let the laurel leafs be bestowed on the true winners.

Joe

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

The results show the top skaters all in place with the added Yan Liu who I always thought of as a beautiful skater. A bit slow but with charasmatic arms and the flow over the ice is among the best of them.

No one has a commanding lead so the LP should be exciting.

Joe

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I just read from another thread that Sawada is up there too and from what the USFS said, she stole the show. Good for her in her first international contest.

The LP is going to be something else.

Joe

 

[demarinis5]

Good for Joannie and Alissa. Would love to see them both on the podium.

 

[JonnyCoop]

GO JOANNIE!!!

Hope Fumie can come back in the long; she hasn't been down that far in a competition in a long time; should be interesting to see how she handles it. Might be a good thing; might relax her enough to give her best performance of the season.

Gotta give her credit, tho -- she has done VERY WELL to hang in there as she has the last several seasons considering all the formidable competition she has at home. She's also been extremely consistent for the most part; maybe it's just her turn to have a bad season now, like Miki did last year and Yoshie a few years ago and Yukari as well.

 

[Lonewolf]

I believe, the altitude has kept some scores lower than expected. I am especially surprised that Kimmie is in 6th place, four points out of first and Fumie is in 12th place, 10 points out of first. If Kimmie does well in her free skate, I believe she can over come this and pull out a win. But, I think she most likely will just have a place on the podium. Of course this depends on how others perform in their free skate. I am pulling for Alissa, if she can perform her free skate like she did at nationals, I think she has a good chance of pulling off a win on Saturday. Additionally, I think Fumie is too far back to place, but I hope that she can move up after her free skate on Saturday.

 

[Nigel]

I believe, the altitude has kept some scores lower than expected. I am especially surprised that Kimmie is in 6th place, four points out of first and Fumie is in 12th place, 10 points out of first. If Kimmie does well in her free skate, I believe she can over come this and pull out a win. But, I think she most likely will just have a place on the podium. Of course this depends on how others perform in their free skate. I am pulling for Alissa, if she can perform her free skate like she did at nationals, I think she has a good chance of pulling off a win on Saturday. Additionally, I think Fumie is too far back to place, but I hope that she can move up after her free skate on Saturday.

Altitude has certainly affected the quality of skating from where we have been sitting in the World Arena. I am anxious to see the judges protocol sheets as many of the jumps last night should have been downgraded (but based upon how quickly the scores were posted, we didn't think many of the elements were reviewed). Many of the skaters looked slower than normal, and the jumps just weren't "jumpin" last night. Though, watching the men's SP...we didn't think that of so many of the competitors.

 

[Tinymavy15]

What a terrible compiteion!! fumie is 12th????? Her programs are usually so good. Kimmie is in 6th... but she could easily still win this thing if she can handle the triplelutz, triple toe. This makes two times she missed that combination. That was the pass she missed at natioanls. THis really could be Emily's chance to capture the gold.. let's see if she seizes the moment.

 

[Tinymavy15]

i hope alissa can medal... i guess she messed up slightly in the short, or else she wouold have been first, but she didn't fall thank god!

 

[Oscilla]

Eislauffan just reported on FSU that Fumie has withdrawn because of injury (neck muscle strain).

What a horrible luck to fly half across the world to compete so soon after her previous event - only to get injured.