As much as I want to stay positive and say Japan has a good chance of keeping the 3 spots, I'll have to say it looks really hard. Mura or Kozuka would have to skate lights out to finish within the top 10 (assuming Hanyu will stay at least in the top 5, very likely). I'm afraid of how the media will react, will they hold Machida personally responsible for this as it has been seen in some articles since he announced his retirement? Will they let all the pressure fall on Hanyu and the upcoming skaters to carry Japanese figure skating? Will they blame it on Mura and Kozuka for the apparent weakening in what is Japan's strongest figure skating field?
But hey, good thing about being low after the SP is that you have nothing to lose in the FS, so they may skate boldly and give us a surprise! Good luck to the 3 guys tomorrow!
:hopelessness:If both Mura and Kozuka withdraw from the free skate, and Hanyu finishes first or second... would that mean Japan keep 3 spots...?! :-D
Well, I am optimistic. I think at least one of Kozuka and Mura will redeem themselves tomorrow, finish in the top what, 12? 13? And with a good placement from Hanyu, Japan can keep their 3 spots for men...
If both Mura and Kozuka withdraw from the free skate, and Hanyu finishes first or second... would that mean Japan keep 3 spots...?! :-D
Well, I am optimistic. I think at least one of Kozuka and Mura will redeem themselves tomorrow, finish in the top what, 12? 13? that they need? And with a good placement from Hanyu, Japan can keep their 3 spots for men...
I only remember one article judging Machida for his decision (Japan Times, from the same guy with the crazy Gracie Gold conspiracy theory). Do you have source of others?
But I don´t think is his fault. Both Takas have had pleanty of time for practice and prepare. Sadly it seem like Mura picked too early (GPs) and Kozuka is only skating great programs in Nationals.
Great luck and best wishes for all the Japanese skaters tomorrow.
I only remember one article judging Machida for his decision (Japan Times, from the same guy with the crazy Gracie Gold conspiracy theory). Do you have source of others?
So... Hanyu got 2nd place at Worlds, and Kozuka got 12th place.
2 + 12 = 14
That's enough for Japan to keep 3 places for next year, isn't it?
So... Hanyu got 2nd place at Worlds, and Kozuka got 12th place.
2 + 12 = 14
That's enough for Japan to keep 3 places for next year, isn't it?
Oh no, you're right. I thought it was 14, but it has to be less than 14No. Should have been 13.
I am afraid that hope is in vain...Oh no, you're right. I thought it was 14, but it has to be less than 14
Oh, I hope the media etc are not unkind to the Japanese men about this, especially Kozuka and Mura.
Eh it seems the blame game begins: http://i.jiji.jp/jc/i?g=spo_30&k=2015032800342
First they blame.... Yuzuru for the 3 spots.
If Google translate is right. And this is just one of many, according to my friend.
A Japanese poster told me this article doesn't blame him. Maybe Google translate is tricky this time.Oh god. Yuzuru does not deserve the blame at all IMO. He performed well and did his job. It was Kozuka and Mura who didn't do their jobs (unsurprisingly, especially Kozuka).