Wenjing Sui & Cong Han

[beebee51]

For me, Turandot is not necessarily a bad choice, but an odd one. Shen and Zhao's performance of that program at 2003 Worlds was a moment that cannot be described in mere words, particularly for those present in the arena that day. That moment has not been replicated over the last 14-15 years and I don't expect it ever will be. I love Sui/Han and think they are the best all around pairs team in the world today. But I don't think I will ever watch their Turandot without my mind wandering to that glorious 2003 day in Washington DC.

 

[bobbob]

I understand where the Turandot choice comes from, as China wants to pay homage to its past pairs' success, but I don't think it's the best fit for the situation. Sui and Han are the favorites to win the OGM, and with such a high chance to make history I feel like it should be an original song and program. Plus, more importantly, Turandot doesn't really fit their style--S/Z are a vastly different pair than S/H. Their short program does fit their style a lot better, I think. Anyways, i still think they are the best skaters in the pairs field and will be rooting for them to win!! which is precisely why I am unhappy with this choice. But they can make it work...the best skaters can skate to anything.

 

[TontoK]

Well, Sui/Han is choosing Turandot under the tutelage of Coach Zhao.

I'm a little concerned for Wenjing as she seemed to be insipid and hardly keeping up in some segments, so not her usual energetic and expressive self. Maybe there is a lack of connection to the choreography or it's just an off day for her.

I'm keeping my faith in this team to be amazing when they are ready.

Turandot? Really?

I love this pair so much because they are fresh and young and original.

Turandot seems "off brand."

But I suppose true champions can interpret anything. It will probably be amazing, and I'll look back on this post in shame.

 

[icekiwi]

I am a big fan of Sui & Han, don't get me wrong.

However, having watched nearly all the top pairs programs this season, especially of Savchenko/Massot and Tarasova/Morosov. I find Sui/Han's LP to Turandot 'dated', 'archaic' and 'unsuitable'.

When Shen/Zhou did Turandot, they were in their 30s or Shen in her late 20s. Shen/Zhou also have that 'look' about them. Sui/Han are both still young and it is proven from their previous programs that they handle the modern, jazzy, funky, edgy music really well. 'Stray Cat Strut', 'Blues for Klook' suit them to a T. Imagine, Shen/Zhou doing Stray Cat Strut, it would just be weird.

I wish Sui/Han had kept last season's programs - Blues for Klook and Bridge over Troubled Waters.

The choreography for Turandot is just so dated compared to the Russians and Germans. It was also skated very 'slow' in some places. The Russians were literally flying through their program (they are fast across the ice!) and Evgenia look so fresh, young and pretty while Sui was done up like an 'older woman', totally ruins her usual sassy, cool and edgy style. The Germans, as usual, are full of new, moving, beautiful choreographic interpretation.

Sui/Han's SP to 'Hallelujah' was okay. I would much prefer 'Blues for Klook' or another jazzy piece. Both Sui/Han's programs, both the SP and LP this year in my opinion is way too solemn and dated.

 

[sarama]

I think that they can afford to try Turandot and see if it works. If it doesn't they can always go back to Bridge over troubled water, but it's smart to at least try something different compared to plainly recycle.
And still I'll take Turandot over T/M's Candyman anyday (that program is just a ridiculous choice)

 

[s_parks]

Practice clip of sui/han just posted by xinhua news: https://mobile.twitter.com/XHSports/status/924539008692101121

 

[GGFan]

Practice clip of sui/han just posted by xinhua news: https://mobile.twitter.com/XHSports/status/924539008692101121

Even in a year when I don't love their music choices I watch them and I fall in love with their skating all over again. I wish they had one edgy piece that showcased their timing and sharpness (like the last 2 short programs), but I'll get over it.

 

[cathlen]

Polish commentators made me speechless today. They said that Wenjing and Cong are not only couple on ice but also in life They're lucky Empress has not heard that

I enjoyed SP today, but it's not as good to me as their SPs last two seasons (yet!). Predictably, comfortable lead after SP

 

[icetug]

Polish commentators made me speechless today. They said that Wenjing and Cong are not only couple on ice but also in life

Maybe they know something we do not know... In fact, the chemistry between Wenjing and Cong is misleading... And I don't suppose the commentators have their research done thoroughly

 

[Bcash]

They are at this point most definitely not a couple but they are aware of their chemistry on the ice. In one interview earlier this year Sui mentioned that one advantage they have over their competitors is the "electricity" flowing between them. And they are trying to make it stand out more.

 

[solar]

I haven't been disappointed in a S/H short program this entire quad! I really enjoyed this one as well, even though I wasn't planning on liking it as much as last years

 

[musicfan80]

GREAT SP TODAY! I can't imagine how much better this will look as it improves throughout the season! GOOD LUCK IN THE LP! :yes:

 

[s_parks]

Congrats on their first CoC gold. :luv17: The lp this season may not be their best ever program, but they do perform it excellently, and of course, are wonderful skaters. I think this was an ideal start to the season; good skates overall with a few areas to improve upon.

 

[solar]

Not to mention a new PB for the free skate! I'm glad they've already met or improved on their scores from their gold medal Worlds 2017 performances

 

[firal]

Congrats on the first win on the way to an Oly gold! I have to say that I prefer her hair flipping in the wind instead of tied back like in the FS but that's just pure preference. I am sure both programs will grow on me even more as the season continues.

 

[solar]

Really awesome and in depth interview with Sui/Han after their COC performances! They cover their relationship (lol), ideas behind both programs, why they won't repeat programs, the problems with the 3S SBS jumps and more fun things

Many people want Sui/Han to repeat one or both of their programs last season, but this answer makes me think they won't (tbh I never thought they would anyways)

Wenjing: In fact, most athletes will be conservative during Olympic seasons, such as Hanyu and other strong skaters using programs that they have used before, and other skaters will use styles that they really like. We tried to do something new, made the programs more difficult. I think we took a bold step, didn’t stick with what we’ve done before, because if you don’t take that step, sooner or later you will fall behind.

 

[Bcash]

Really awesome and in depth interview with Sui/Han after their COC performances! They cover their relationship (lol), ideas behind both programs, why they won't repeat programs, the problems with the 3S SBS jumps and more fun things

Many people want Sui/Han to repeat one or both of their programs last season, but this answer makes me think they won't (tbh I never thought they would anyways)

Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm highly impressed by their self-awareness and philosophical approach to skating.

 

[maldoror122]

I really love their attitude to their craft and sport.

I love their SP this season, and I think the Turandot program will continue to grow on me. I think choosing to do a program that people will inevitably compare to a previous iconic program takes a lot of guts, and I think they are slowly but surely making Turandot their own.

 

[klutzonice]

I really love their attitude to their craft and sport.

I love their SP this season, and I think the Turandot program will continue to grow on me. I think choosing to do a program that people will inevitably compare to a previous iconic program takes a lot of guts, and I think they are slowly but surely making Turandot their own.

I agree with you! I have a feeling I will be very emotional seeing these programs at the Olympics - no matter how many times I've heard the music.

 

[cathlen]

Apart of spin levels, great job!