What Mao needs in order to be competitive with Yuna

[museksk8r]

She needs to quit choking in the short program. It's like a mental block for her at this point. I don't recall the last time she skated cleanly in the SP, but I do know her failures in the SP have cost her a World title and some Grand Prix titles as well.

 

[Bennett]

I am happy that she finally had a clean SP at Nationals, which would give her a lot of confidence.

Although I don't want to be pessimistic, I expect that she may have a much shakier season next year because she says that she is going to fix the flutz during the off season. I feel that we'd see her falling/doubling/popping the lutz more often and her flip can be affected as well until she masters lutz.

So I hope that she could get the title this time if she could.

 

[feraina]

II expect that she may have a much shakier season next year because she says that she is going to fix the flutz during the off season. I feel that we'd see her falling/doubling/popping the lutz more often and her flip can be affected as well until she masters lutz.

Did Mao say that? Good for her! :agree:

It'll be worth it. I say the earlier the better. WC title would be nice any year, but this year especially, ITA -- because next year is gonna be tough for her with fixing the flutz and all.

I did think, though, that her flutz got visibly better at the Japanese National's. So maybe she's already working on it. If she can manage to correct it in time for next season, that'll be amazing!

 

[Bennett]

Mao said that in the interview at the website called Japan Skate.

 

[jsteam4501s]

Offer Kim free cookies and milk for life, courtesy of the JSF.

 

[Oscilla]

I don't recall the last time she skated cleanly in the SP,

3 days ago, actually.

but I do know her failures in the SP have cost her (...) some Grand Prix titles as well.

Only one, this year's GPF.


But coming back to the original question, I think she is competetive already. To increase her chances of winning getting used to pressure is the most important, IMHO. Then continuing to work on the jumps - fix the flutz, adjust to the new height and not two-foot the jumps, maybe get the Salchow back in one day.

 

[Bennett]

Did Mao say that? Good for her! :agree:

It'll be worth it. I say the earlier the better. WC title would be nice any year, but this year especially, ITA -- because next year is gonna be tough for her with fixing the flutz and all.

I did think, though, that her flutz got visibly better at the Japanese National's. So maybe she's already working on it. If she can manage to correct it in time for next season, that'll be amazing!

I feel that if Mao comes to have a real lutz, it would be beautiful because she has nice edges in her steps. I like how the edge works in the real lutz.

 

[NatachaHatawa]

You know although Mao does triple axels, I really think that Yu-Na's miles ahead of her. I think that Yu-Na has the most beautiful jumps in todays ladies' compettions and her artistry is by far superior.

 

[camion]

I wholeheartedly agree with Oscilla. Mao is already evenly matched with Yu-Na. She just needs more mental composure. If she messes up on a jump, she needs to move on & refocus (don't leave out a jump, lol). I think Yu-Na is emotionally more mature in that respect & it shows in the way she's carried herself in competition and in interviews. Yu-Na is also a greater performer than Mao in the way she can connect to an audience through her facial expressions, her conviction, etc.
But overall artistry I would give to Mao with regards to skating posture, flow over the ice, positions, pointed toes, smoother transitions, etc. Yu-Na is a far greater technician imo with the jumps- greater speed, distance, & more precise edge entry. Her jumps do show signs of fatigue in the end of her long programs though because she isn't a "timing" jumper like Mao. Mao has better air postion in her jumps than Yu-Na. Yu-Na hooks her left arm to garner speed in her jumps (exception on axels), whereas Mao is tight w/beautiful ankle extension. Yu-Na has cleaner landings. Yu-Na has better spins than Mao, more centered with far greater speed. Mao has better spirals. I mean the list can go on & on. Point is, they're both great. If one of them falters, then the other will win.

 

[Hikaru]

You know although Mao does triple axels, I really think that Yu-Na's miles ahead of her. I think that Yu-Na has the most beautiful jumps in todays ladies' compettions and her artistry is by far superior.

I just adore how Yu-Na does her triple flip-triple toe, when I saw it at worlds last year, wow, what a great flow she has in both jumps!!