Mao Asada

[Globetrotter]

This got me all excited to see her new programs and for Japan Open as well.
I wonder if those jumps are for the short program to compete with Liza's 4-triple program. That would be amazing and she would score so much higher than Liza's 3A, 3T-3T and 3Lz.

If this is true, then I wonder what her 3rd jump would be. So there's 3A and 3F-3Lo. Will the third jumping pass be a 3Lz (would she risk an edge call) or a 3S? How exciting. She will break her world record if goes clean and also considering she is the most deserving of high PCS in the current field.

Hmm the 3F-3R will be far too risky and easily dinged for <. Asada isn't as powerful on jumps like Tuks or Wakaba Higuchi. A more sensible option will be 3F-3T and 3R out of steps. I think 3Lz is a lost cause for her. Not worth risking the edge call with -2 GOE and BV drop. Overall, Asada should focus more on her stronger SS and TR. Tuks is a match in terms of PE but Mao should edge out for CH and IN.

 

[gotoschool]

Hmm the 3F-3R will be far too risky and easily dinged for <. Asada isn't as powerful on jumps like Tuks or Wakaba Higuchi. A more sensible option will be 3F-3T and 3R out of steps. I think 3Lz is a lost cause for her. Not worth risking the edge call with -2 GOE and BV drop. Overall, Asada should focus more on her stronger SS and TR. Tuks is a match in terms of PE but Mao should edge out for CH and IN.

It has already been said in several places that Mao intends to do the layout she had at Sochi and Worlds for the LP. I seems to me that the 3F / 3L inspires her in a similar way that the 3A does judging from the qualities of her performances in these freeskates. Both I and many others have mentioned that they thought her Sochi LP was one of the greatest freeskates (in my view the greatest) they had ever seen. So, I hope she includes it, especially since her beautiful execution of it helps prove she is a legend.

Both Mao's 3F / 3L at Sochi and Worlds should have been called rotated. Consistent with this, the non-Asian judging panel gave Mao a higher GOE on her 3F / 3L (+1.3 GOE) at Worlds than Liza with what is to me a less impressive 3T / 3T combo (GOE +1) at 2015 Worlds in the SP (which looked under-rotated to me on instant replay). Yet, Liza's lower GOE, evidently less rotated jump combo wasn't called ur, but Mao's combo was called ur and it was big, with excellent flow and symmetry between height and distance, tight symmetrical air position, speed, exemplary posture and intricate balletic movement and positions on exit.

As far as the lutz, it might be better just to include 2triple axels since she is really good at them, but who knows maybe she has gotten better at that and can soon add a nice 3F / 3T as well. I think Mao should easily win by a considerable margin in PCS if she is graded fairly. If there is deflation in the GOE, PCS or more bogus ur calls yet again, I won't take the scores seriously.

 

[Barb]

Hmm the 3F-3R will be far too risky and easily dinged for <. Asada isn't as powerful on jumps like Tuks or Wakaba Higuchi. A more sensible option will be 3F-3T and 3R out of steps. I think 3Lz is a lost cause for her. Not worth risking the edge call with -2 GOE and BV drop. Overall, Asada should focus more on her stronger SS and TR. Tuks is a match in terms of PE but Mao should edge out for CH and IN.

I always thought she should to try 3f-3t but she can´t do it. I am sure she did in practice but it simply did not work, in fact there are a video of The ice 2015. And her 3f-3loop looks better.

 

[Li'Kitsu]

A 3Lo would be the smartest choice for her. And yes, with that content landed she would be unbeatable in the SP.

If you mean a layout of 3A, 3F-3Lo and 3Lo she would zayak. You're only allowed to repeat a jump in the SP if it's in the same jumping pass.
So probably 3A, 3F-3Lo and 3S... which should still be able to break the WR quite easily

 

[gotoschool]

If you mean a layout of 3A, 3F-3Lo and 3Lo she would zayak. You're only allowed to repeat a jump in the SP if it's in the same jumping pass.
So probably 3A, 3F-3Lo and 3S... which should still be able to break the WR quite easily

This would be a great choice, especially since Mao's triple salchow has become one of her best jumps especially with the sharp, unexpected entry and height she had in her LP last season. The base value of the triple salchow has also increased slightly

 

[solani]

If you mean a layout of 3A, 3F-3Lo and 3Lo she would zayak. You're only allowed to repeat a jump in the SP if it's in the same jumping pass.
So probably 3A, 3F-3Lo and 3S... which should still be able to break the WR quite easily

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that but I have to say that this rule is beyond stupid in my opinion. And yes, 3S is the best solution in that case.

 

[Barb]

This would be a great choice, especially since Mao's triple salchow has become one of her best jumps especially with the sharp, unexpected entry and height she had in her LP last season. The base value of triple salchow has also increased slightly

Yes, her 3 salchow is beautiful.

 

[Li'Kitsu]

Thanks for the info, I didn't know that but I have to say that this rule is beyond stupid in my opinion. And yes, 3S is the best solution in that case.

Typical CoP restriction stuff... I guess it makes sense for a lot of people as the Sp was the technical program before, but I don't like the rule either.

And yes, Mao's 3S has become really beautiful, the height is amazing

 

[hurrah]

Mao is looking amazing! Her 3-3 with both jumps delayed is unmatched!! Now, just that pesky issue of... is it rotated? It looks rotated from the position of her body as she is landing. Oh, dear me, can't wait for Japan Open! I have this feeling that she is going to dominate!

E.T.A.

Mao's new spin, from donut to biellman, done on the opposite leg to her usual biellman! :shocked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ryJI5drfbHI#t=96

And this must be her lutz, after which she immediately goes into a spin (like in Rach, but a different variation)---very difficult.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ryJI5drfbHI#t=163

 

[Barb]

Mao is looking amazing! Her 3-3 with both jumps delayed is unmatched!! Now, just that pesky issue of... is it rotated? It looks rotated from the position of her body as she is landing. Oh, dear me, can't wait for Japan Open! I have this feeling that she is going to dominate!

E.T.A.

Mao's new spin, from donut to biellman, done on the opposite leg to her usual biellman! :shocked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ryJI5drfbHI#t=96

And this must be her lutz, after which she immediately goes into a spin (like in Rach, but a different variation)---very difficult.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ryJI5drfbHI#t=163

Wow, she looks great. And I know it is not the topic but dont you think Akiko looks diferent?

 

[Alba]

I have this feeling that she is going to dominate!

Don't jinx it. :hopelessness:

 

[Meoima]

Mao is looking amazing! Her 3-3 with both jumps delayed is unmatched!! Now, just that pesky issue of... is it rotated? It looks rotated from the position of her body as she is landing. Oh, dear me, can't wait for Japan Open! I have this feeling that she is going to dominate!

E.T.A.

Mao's new spin, from donut to biellman, done on the opposite leg to her usual biellman! :shocked:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ryJI5drfbHI#t=96

And this must be her lutz, after which she immediately goes into a spin (like in Rach, but a different variation)---very difficult.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ryJI5drfbHI#t=163

They don't show her legs and blade on the landing so we can't tell if she fully rotated or not. As for her 3A it's definitely UR so it depends on the tech panel if they will be lenient on her or not.
And 3-3 I'd say there was a hook on the landing so maybe UR.

 

[yhmafan]

They don't show her legs and blade on the landing so we can't tell if she fully rotated or not. As for her 3A it's definitely UR so it depends on the tech panel if they will be lenient on her or not.
And 3-3 I'd say there was a hook on the landing so maybe UR.

Maybe there is no hopes if they are borders (rotated). tbh I have nothing to expect anymore.

 

[hurrah]

Akiko is looking very pretty, I think. She's been on really serious news program as a commentator and has been showing her intelligence as well. She is a very balanced person.

As for whether that 3-3 was under-rotated or not, there is no way to tell if it was rotated or not because we can't see her feet. Speculation is only speculation.

As for her 3-axel, yes, that particular 3-axel was probably 1/4 under-rotated (and not more), but we also have to remember that that jump was done in the pre-season---i.e., she hasn't peaked yet.

As of now, there is not another skater (including Elizaveta) who is in a state to even show a 3-axel attempt, so we Mao fans have no reason to despair. As of now, there is not another skater who can even attempt a 3-loop as a second jump, so we Mao fans have no reason to despair.

And from clips we have seen, her program as a whole promises to be more beautiful and more full of difficulty than her competitors', so of course we Mao fans are excited!

 

[yhmafan]

Akiko is looking very pretty, I think. She's been on really serious news program as a commentator and has been showing her intelligence as well. She is a very balanced person.

As for whether that 3-3 was under-rotated or not, there is no way to tell if it was rotated or not because we can't see her feet. Speculation is only speculation.

As for her 3-axel, yes, that particular 3-axel was probably 1/4 under-rotated (and not more), but we also have to remember that that jump was done in the pre-season---i.e., she hasn't peaked yet.

As of now, there is not another skater (including Elizaveta) who is in a state to even show a 3-axel attempt, so we Mao fans have no reason to despair. As of now, there is not another skater who can even attempt a 3-loop as a second jump, so we Mao fans have no reason to despair.

And from clips we have seen, her program as a whole promises to be more beautiful and more full of difficulty than her competitors', so of course we Mao fans are excited!

:thumbsup:　Sorry for my dismal statement about the tech panel

 

[mary01]

They don't show her legs and blade on the landing so we can't tell if she fully rotated or not. As for her 3A it's definitely UR so it depends on the tech panel if they will be lenient on her or not.
And 3-3 I'd say there was a hook on the landing so maybe UR.

THAT 3A and 3-3 are definitely fully rotated, sharp, huge and beautifully executed in that clip, my mouth was wide open when i saw it. One of the best 3A's i have seen by any skater.

 

[mary01]

I know that people who are big fans of rivaling skaters tend to like to play tech specialist, but it really bothers me when those people even bring it to the fan threads, i don't take their so called "specialist" claims seriously, and usually ignore them, but when the same people even come to the fan thread with their rubbish it really bothers me, desperate much. I totally understand that seeing Mao in such good shape from the beginning of the season can be intimidating when you cheer for another skater, but i hate how low some are willing to fall, to convince others of their hopeful views.

 

[Leonardo]

i know that people who are big fans of rivaling skaters tend to like to play tech specialist, but it really bothers me when those people even bring it to the fan threads, i don't take their so called "specialist" claims seriously, and usually ignore them, but when the same people even come to the fan thread with their rubbish it really bothers me, desperate much. I totally understand that seeing mao in such good shape from the beginning of the season can be intimidating when you cheer for another skater, but i hate how low some are willing to fall, to convince others of their hopeful views.

ita.

 

[TheCzar]

Wow, she looks great. And I know it is not the topic but dont you think Akiko looks diferent?

Looks like she had her teeth fixed?

 

[Li'Kitsu]

I know that people who are big fans of rivaling skaters tend to like to play tech specialist, but it really bothers me when those people even bring it to the fan threads, i don't take their so called "specialist" claims seriously, and usually ignore them, but when the same people even come to the fan thread with their rubbish it really bothers me, desperate much. I totally understand that seeing Mao in such good shape from the beginning of the season can be intimidating when you cheer for another skater, but i hate how low some are willing to fall, to convince others of their hopeful views.

I get the anger with people being overly harsh on Mao, but if you mean Meoima, I think you're being too harsh yourself. Not sure if she's rooting more for another skater or anything, but I don't think she's doing anything of what you just described. You can like several skaters and root for several rivaling skaters, and not anyone who criticizes does so out of hate.

IMO, the 3A was beautiful and I don't care about 10° more rotated or not. I will have to again when stupid protocol <'s force me to, but for now, I'll just be happy with how beautiful it looks and in how great shape Mao is generally so early in the season. Go Mao!!