What does Mai need to improve to catch up to Mao?

[mizu_iro]

I don't know...I don't like it when a skater never seems to be happy (a la Yukari Nakano), but I also dislike it when skaters seem to be happy no matter how they skated (a la Emily Hughes). I think the reactions between the two sisters tells a lot - Mao burst into tears over her short program at Eric Bompard even though she was in 1st, while Mai just seems to shrug it off as though it's no big deal. While it may not be fair to say that Mai doesn't care about her skating at all, she certainly doesn't hold herself to a high standard like Mao does.

I love some of Mai's programs, though...her 2005-2006 FS to X-Japan music was very ethereal and pretty. To be fair, she was MUCH slower than usual at Skate America...her speed and basic posture are usually far superior, even if the jumps aren't there.

 

[slutskayafan21]

What does Mai need to improve to catch up to Mao? Hmmm let me see:

Jump quality
Jump difficulty
Full rotation and consistent ratification of jumps tried
Jump consistency
Jump combinations
Spin speed
Spin positions
Spin difficultly
Footwork sequences
Spiral sequences
Choreography
Expression
Musical Interpretation
Speed and Power
Edge Quality

Basically everything and then some.

 

[Bennett]

What does Mai need to improve to catch up to Mao? Hmmm let me see:

Jump quality
Jump difficulty
Full rotation and consistent ratification of jumps tried
Jump consistency
Jump combinations
Spin speed
Spin positions
Spin difficultly
Footwork sequences
Spiral sequences
Choreography
Expression
Musical Interpretation
Speed and Power
Edge Quality

Basically everything and then some.

Well, Mao's World ranking is #1 now She gotta be better

But I see a lot of charm and elegance in Mai's skating that even Mao doesn't have. Mai's performance is very gentle and feminine. There are also many other skaters who rank even lower than Mai but still attract me a lot