Men's LP

[Kinga]

I am absolutely amazed with Kozuka! Such a young guy and he sets a 3A and a 3Lutz almost at the end of the program, just like it would be a joke... Exquisite! I would give LP to Kozuka, but still, I love Chan too. Even with few mistakes, his skating is what the figure skating is all about, so I am not surprised that judges press +GOE buttons all the time.

Jouberts LP is better than his SP, but still, no transitions, mediocre choreography. And his jumps look so much worse in terms of height and quality!

 

[siberia82]

I try to avoid making any personal judgments re people I've never met in my life, and the only skater I've ever met is Paul Wylie. Joubert's an exception, and that's only because I'm trying to defend him from attacks .

ETA: both guys come across well in this article.

I've never met Patrick in person, but I do know people who have, and they only have wonderful things to say about him. He's super-adorable in terms of his personality and looks. Some Canadians even nickname him "Cutie Patootie Paddy". The boy is exactly 8 years and 1 day my junior, and it feels a little "criminal" for me to have such a huge crush on him!

I'm sure Brian would be so happy to know that he has such loyal and loving fans such as yourself.

 

[Tonichelle]

Hey, if Brian has a bad season and doesn't win Worlds that means he has a better chance of winning the Olympics!

maybe that's why all the experienced top dogs are failing. none of them want that title this year so they'll start and end crappy so that no one can go "what the heck happened" they're trying to thwart the skate gods

 

[Buttercup]

Funny how everyone complains when a Can has mistakes but still wins because of the other elements yet when Alissa did not even do 1 triple in her short at SC she stayed in the top group because of her other elements. Seems to me like there is a double standard here!

I was one of the people complaining. I couldn't care less what Patrick's nationality is; I'm an equal-opportunity critic! I personally don't care at all what Ms. Czisny does, but can you really argue the standard in the ladies' these days is the same as in the mens'?

Even though Chan won Canadian Nats in 2008, I don't think internationally anyone considered him the Canadian no. 1.

Joubert's LP is better than his SP, but still, no transitions, mediocre choreography. And his jumps look so much worse in terms of height and quality!

Kinga, I must ask: are there any circumstances under which you would say that Joubert has done well? It's obvious he's not your fave... but it looks as though both of us will have to accept that the judges disagree with us on certain skaters.

Is it true he's gotten rid of the feathers? If so, that's definitely an improvement and might make the skating gods happy.

I'm sure Brian would be so happy to know that he has such loyal and loving fans such as yourself.

Meant kindly, I'm sure - but it makes me feel like a stalker type! Which I'm not, and have never been towards anyone .

 

[Bennett]

I've never met Patrick in person, but I do know people who have, and they only have wonderful things to say about him. He's super-adorable in terms of his personality and looks. Some Canadians even nickname him "Cutie Patootie Paddy". The boy is exactly 8 years and 1 day my junior, and it feels a little "criminal" for me to have such a huge crush on him!

haha. He looks so much more mature than his actual age. Not only his skating.
I could picture him in a business suit at an office of an elite company. But he is still in high school......!

 

[ks777]

YES!! Patrick and Kozuka both made the GP finals!! So excited!!

 

[Kinga]

Kinga, I must ask: are there any circumstances under which you would say that Joubert has done well? It's obvious he's not your fave... but it looks as though both of us will have to accept that the judges disagree with us on certain skaters.

Yes, I say it when I feel he did well, even if I am not a huge fan. For example, last year choreography was very good, and although I thought that Buttle's title was well deserved, I liked Joubert's programs. I also liked the way he performed when he won over Plushenko, I think it was 2004 Euros. So please, don't throw this on me, before you know what you are talking about (I doubt that you followed my posts last year and that you know my opinion from 2004). I am sorry , that I have not enjoyed his programs so far this season! Am I not entitled to say so??? What am I suppose to do when I dont like both programs of a skater? Just stay quiet, or apologize as soon as I make my own judgement on this forum?
My circumstances this season are follwing: so far, the transitions in his programs are almost invisible, obviously he is not greatly prepared when it comes to technique either (really, his jumps looked much higher, cleaner and more powerful last seasons), and all this shows in his programs, sorry. I am not claiming that this cannot be improved, and I wish all the best for him. I really think that this LP has more potential than the SP.

 

[Buttercup]

Kinga, I don't think my post was rude or inappropriate as the tone of your response suggests. I was asking a question, because several posters had suggested that Joubert's problems so far this year were not the ones you indicated - your take on his programs was relatively critical in comparison. Granted I did not track down your old posts. Surely I can expect you to be more familiar with your thoughts on the matter than I am?

We should all feel free to be both critical and positive about skaters. But it's a written medium we're working with, and some things just get lost in the translation. I don't think either of us meant to offend the other.

 

[siberia82]

Meant kindly, I'm sure - but it makes me feel like a stalker type! Which I'm not, and have never been towards anyone .

I obviously meant it as a compliment, but if that still seems a bit "stalker-ish", how about a "very caring" fan? That sounds warm and affectionate!

haha. He looks so much more mature than his actual age. Not only his skating.
I could picture him in a business suit at an office of an elite company. But he is still in high school......!

You're right, I can TOTALLY imagine Patrick in a crisp suit and mingling with Wall Street types! :yes: Interestingly enough, he did state in an article sometime during the summer (I can't remember which one, unfortunately :scratch that he would like study business when he's done with skating. When asked why, he answered, "Because I love money!" OMG, what honesty! That kid is just TOO cute for his own good!

 

[Kinga]

Kinga, I don't think my post was rude or inappropriate as the tone of your response suggests. I was asking a question, because several posters had suggested that Joubert's problems so far this year were not the ones you indicated. Granted I did not track down your old posts. Surely I can expect you to be more familiar with your thoughts on the matter than I am?

We should all feel free to be both critical and positive about skaters. But it's a written medium we're working with, and some things just get lost in the translation from thoughts to screen.

I agree, no offense!
I just think, that in order to avoid such a written misunderstandings, maybe it is better if you just simply state that you disagree with me on Joubert's programs, instead of implying that under any circumstancase I would trash Joubert.

 

[Buttercup]

I agree, no offense!
I just think, that in order to avoid such a written misunderstandings, maybe it is better if you just simply state that you disagree with me on Joubert's programs, instead of implying that under any circumstancase I would trash Joubert.

Oh no, you quoted me before I'd sorted out my post! But yes, I've agreed to disagree with other people before - on matters more important than Brian's programs, soI can certainly do it again.

 

[alekzu]

Congratulations to Chan and Kozuka for medaling and making the GPF. And an enormous congratulations to Preaubert! That was a fantastic skate! I was so happy for him to be able to do such a magnificent program. Keep it up! :agree:

But Brian Brian Brian..... What on earth happened to you? He looks so worn out all of the time. There is no energy coming from him at all. No joy on the ice. I just feel sorry for him right now.... I truly hope he'll be able to do better next week, and doesn't sit CoR out. I like both of his programs, and they're fun to watch. If oly he can get his spark back! Please may the skating gods let him have a better competition next week.

 

[Hsuhs]

Congratulations to Patrick Chan
Takahiko Kozuka
Alban Preaubert (thank you, Santa!)

 

[Buttercup]

And an enormous congratulations to Preaubert! That was a fantastic skate! I was so happy for him to be able to do such a magnificent program. Keep it up! :agree:

Alban is great fun to watch. I hope this will boost his status in international competition.

But Brian Brian Brian..... What on earth happened to you? He looks so worn out all of the time. There is no energy coming from him at all. No joy on the ice. I just feel sorry for him right now.... I truly hope he'll be able to do better next week, and doesn't sit CoR out. I like both of his programs, and they're fun to watch. If only he can get his spark back! Please may the skating gods let him have a better competition next week.

Well, they should be pleased by his decision to scrap the big bird outfit and add some fabric to the SP costume. Also, his comments afterwards couldn't possibly offend anyone!

 

[Mehdi]

But Brian Brian Brian..... What on earth happened to you?

He's had a blade problem on his right skate since september according to Annick Dumont.

 

[cloudkicker09]

Alban is great fun to watch. I hope this will boost his status in international competition.

Well, they should be pleased by his decision to scrap the big bird outfit and add some fabric to the SP costume. Also, his comments afterwards couldn't possibly offend anyone!

Wait did he say that? When? and by the way THANK G-D

 

[ae9177]

Just read the judges score, Patrick got +2 GOE for his 3A, +1.8 GOE for the 3Lz and + 1.6 GOE for CiSt, which is the first level 4 footwork of the season! WOW! I doubt if Jeff or Stephane can beat him if they were here. Team Canada surely has a great expectation at Vancouver!

 

[Buttercup]

Wait did he say that? When? and by the way THANK G-D

Here's what the AP got from him:
"I really wanted to win here especially after missing out last year," Joubert said. "I have to learn from this and find out what I need to do to bounce back. I've had setbacks before in my career, but have always found a way to come back."

If you click on this link, you can see the new outfits. Much improved - the LP costume's actually kind of pretty from the angles I've seen in the photos.

Just read the judges score, Patrick got +2 GOE for his 3A, +1.8 GOE for the 3Lz and + 1.6 GOE for CiSt, which is the first level 4 footwork of the season! WOW! I doubt if Jeff or Stephane can beat him if they were here. Team Canada surely has a great expectation at Vancouver!

No, the judges were just in a generous mood. Stephane and Jeffrey would have likewise benefited from it had they stuck around. He was over 20 points above his previous best for a competition, which really shouldn't happen consdiering he didn't go clean in the LP.

 

[cloudkicker09]

That was really mature of him, I believe that he is going to take this and come back with a vengence in Russia, and after that at Euros.

 

[Buttercup]

That was really mature of him, I believe that he is going to take this and come back with a vengence in Russia, and after that at Euros.

Well, FWIW (not much, I imagine): the last time Joubert finished 4th at TEB was in 2003, when it was still Trophee Lalique. He got into the GPF despite that, and went on to win Europeans for the first time a few months later, which was the last time anyone beat Plushenko; and at 2004 Worlds he came pretty close to another upset. So there's hope for him yet!