Absolutely. I've always ignored the world standings as they bear little to no resemblance to the skaters that are actually in contention for top spot at competitions.
Which men will be in the finals?
- Thread starter Mathman
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Absolutely. I've always ignored the world standings as they bear little to no resemblance to the skaters that are actually in contention for top spot at competitions.
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2003
I think Cinquanta is more clever than we give him credit for. The purpose (this year) of the World Standings is not to decide who the best skaters are, but to try to push skaters to do more events.
The Grand Prix has languished the last couple of years because top skaters like Plushenko, Kwan and Cohen have blown them off, having bigger fish to fry.
Similarly, North American skaters avoid Four Continents like the plague, relegating that event to the status of consolation prize for people who have no chance of medalling in Nationals or of making the world team.
But now, with the extra bonus money of $240,000 as a lure, the ISU hopes to persuade leading skaters to skate the full season.
The reason that Julia Sebestyen is ahead of everyone else (Miki Ando, for instance) is that Julia did a couple of other events. She got second place (to Megan Williams-Stewart's first) in the Ondrej Nepala tournament, for instance. Hey, don't laugh, that silver medal might net Julia $50,000!
I bet we will see a sudden surge of interest in Four Continents this year, for the first time.
The Grand Prix has languished the last couple of years because top skaters like Plushenko, Kwan and Cohen have blown them off, having bigger fish to fry.
Similarly, North American skaters avoid Four Continents like the plague, relegating that event to the status of consolation prize for people who have no chance of medalling in Nationals or of making the world team.
But now, with the extra bonus money of $240,000 as a lure, the ISU hopes to persuade leading skaters to skate the full season.
The reason that Julia Sebestyen is ahead of everyone else (Miki Ando, for instance) is that Julia did a couple of other events. She got second place (to Megan Williams-Stewart's first) in the Ondrej Nepala tournament, for instance. Hey, don't laugh, that silver medal might net Julia $50,000!
I bet we will see a sudden surge of interest in Four Continents this year, for the first time.
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- Joined
- Jun 27, 2003
well the year before SLC Winter Games we had some big names hit 4 cont. Shen and Zhao and S/P battled it out
granted the venue was the soon to be Olympic venue... so...
it wouldn't be the FIRST time
granted the venue was the soon to be Olympic venue... so...
it wouldn't be the FIRST time 
I remember Weir hitting the quad consistently during Torino practices but he got gun shy during the actual competition. Lambiel skating a very poor LP made Weir play it safe and thus mess up big-time. I think if Lambiel had done well, Weir would have gone for it more and possibly placed on the podium. But I'm much happier with a Buttle bronze, myself.
Julia Sebestyen making the GP Final is an absolute joke, I'm afraid. They need to change the way skaters can qualify for the GPF. Maybe they should take the 6 best average scorers instead of medalists, because some fields are SO strong (i.e. America and Paris this year for the women) and some are SO weak (i.e. China and Russia this year). Why should she go and not (possibly) Asada or Nakano?
Julia Sebestyen making the GP Final is an absolute joke, I'm afraid. They need to change the way skaters can qualify for the GPF. Maybe they should take the 6 best average scorers instead of medalists, because some fields are SO strong (i.e. America and Paris this year for the women) and some are SO weak (i.e. China and Russia this year). Why should she go and not (possibly) Asada or Nakano?
Jasper your theory about Weir just highlights the fact that Weir was merely skating for a medal than skating to actually win the event...If Weir was skating to win, he would have known that it was absolutely necessary for him to go for that quad...However, it doesn't seem like Weir has ever gone for that quad...So the problem is him. I have no respect for skaters who aren't skating to win.
Yes, but you also have the issue that the skaters aren't being judged by the same judges..
He tried quad once during Worlds 2006 and two footed it. It really seems that Johnny is not ready or afraid of trying quads in competitions. But how can anybody win without risking
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2003
Personally, I think it's cool that Julia Sebestyen won at Cup of China and got second at Cup of Russia. Whoever wins goes to the finals. If you don't win, then you are left on the sidelines complaining about how unfair life is.
Competing against a tough field at State America did not hurt Miki Ando.
Competing against a tough field in Paris did not hurt Yu-na Kim.
Competing against a weak field at Cup of Russia did not help Alissa Czisny.
Competing against a tough field at State America did not hurt Miki Ando.
Competing against a tough field in Paris did not hurt Yu-na Kim.
Competing against a weak field at Cup of Russia did not help Alissa Czisny.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
Everyone of the Ladies' Finalists had at least one gold in a GP except for Fumie. Poor Joannie.
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2005
That gives me the mentality that you think it is better to make it to the Grand Prix Final by luck instead of merit. I think skaters would do better if they knew they will make on how they peform instead who just happen to be in their draw. In my oppion. A last place finish in a tough feel is just as good as a win in a weak one. Skaters should be push to do their best not just beat the other guy.
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I think I am agreeing with MM here - Julia won her event and basically, to get to the GPF you need to win one of your events. She did, she's in - GREAT for her!!! Is she likely to win, or even medal, at the final - probably not, but then again, the ice is slippery.
About speedy and getting skaters to skate all season - I do like this, and I have found this season to be really exciting so far (even though I hate that we don't see the comps live, and as a result have read way more about it than I have actually seen). Yet, I do feel a little sorry for more 'second tier' skaters who might be edged out of GP's or 4 continents and hence international exposure/experience if all the top tiered compete. So while I admit to be contradictory, I also think the pro-cons are, well, a mixed blessing.
About speedy and getting skaters to skate all season - I do like this, and I have found this season to be really exciting so far (even though I hate that we don't see the comps live, and as a result have read way more about it than I have actually seen). Yet, I do feel a little sorry for more 'second tier' skaters who might be edged out of GP's or 4 continents and hence international exposure/experience if all the top tiered compete. So while I admit to be contradictory, I also think the pro-cons are, well, a mixed blessing.
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