Yuzuru Hanyu: 2016-17 Season

[narcissa]

Well, there is no news about Yuzu so of course it will slow down.
Meanwhile in these quiet days I spend my time watching tennis. While I can sit through and endure 5 hours of stressful tennis match, I can't say the same about ~5 minutes FS performance (re: the latter is more stressful for me lol).

Haha yes, tennis! I was watching the Federer/Wawrinka match. It's been a while since I've watched tennis (I used to follow it really closely) because I mostly watch Federer and he has been out with injuries for a while. I dont feel much emotional attachment to the youngsters (I can say the same about women's skating too). But this match got me shouting and jumping out of my seat! Someone asked me who I liked better, Federer or Yuzuru, and I said of course Yuzu but I'm hoping the good luck is plentiful and spreads to all my favorite athletes haha

Also, happy new year to all the Asian members here! And to Yuzuru!

 

[liv]

Yup, big tennis fan here too, particularly of Roger. It is definitely easier watching a stressful 5 hour match than a yuzuru long program, lol. I always judge my loyalty by my ability to get up at 3am to watch someone halfway around the world skate, hit a ball, or drive a car... lately it has just been skate so my current allegiance is to yuzu. But since it's rafa and roger, hmmmm, I might be getting up since this is quite rare these days

 

[LeeJiHye19]

Only 3 more weeks and when we hit the week of the competition, there'll be photos and news and then we'll be biting nails and time will go too quickly

We were watching the Europeans, you should have joined us, really makes the time pass with some skating in it. It was really good! TAT and Grishin kept mentioning Yuzuru today! And Russian Juniors next week and 4CC around the corner then.

Fingers crossed 4CC goes well then we can gush until the worlds. We are after all, very, very good at gushing

I try to watched EC but I fell asleep...I really know now that I can't watched FS without Yuzuru in it hahaha but If Yuzuru was there I bet I will stay up all night to see him again :luv17:

 

[YuzusHydroblade]

What should we talk about while we wait for some news?
We've talked about
*Favourite CM
*Favourite costume

So... If you could take him anywhere, where would you take him and why ?
I would probably take him to Disneyland haha, and i would take tons of pictures of him with Pooh

 

[jeff goldblum]

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2017/01/27/214517246



Yuzu's fans have been saying Yuzu was smart to add a quad loop this year for some time.

This seems to suggest it would be very unlikely for any new type of quad to appear in his repertoire next season. If he does five quads in the free it will be with the three types he has been doing.

As for the quad Salchow things, he definitely likes playing around and challenging himself constantly. Not sure they were posted here, but there were videos of the GPF gala practice where he is attempting 3A-1Lo-4S. Who knows what tricks will show up in a program eventually. Sometimes this is to work on new things for the future but also to have backup strategies in the event of a mistake. If he popped a Salchow he would know he's prepared to tack it on to the end of a triple axel. No doubt an ambitious backup plan, but this is Yuzuru after all. Even a decade ago, I think for most skaters their combination was the one that they knew. If it was flip-toe and the skater fell on the flip, it wasn't too often you'd see that toe get tacked on elsewhere. Now it's the name of the game; every point counts and these guys can put a triple toe on almost anything.

 

[daisy616]

In the meanwhile, this morning there was general selling for World Team Trophy.
I personally think the chance of Yuzu going to WTT is at most 50%...maybe less than 30%?

Therefore, initially I didn't buy tickets when there was pre-sale in last December.
Then, Yuzu withdraw from the Nationals, and I began to think, "Perhaps, perhaps he wants to
skate in front of the home crowd? Because he skated only once in NHK trophy this season,
with no shows at all in the preseason..." I tried another pre-sale, and to my surprise,
it was not easy at all. I've only got category B tickets!

So, this morning at 10:00am I sat before my PC seeking for a little bit better seats.
BUT! All the tickets for men' short, free and exhibition were sold out within one minute
OK maybe not one minute, but certainly within two minutes!!!
This is crazy... I think Yuzu fans in Japan are desperate nowadays enough
to take a risk to buy tickets for the competition where Yuzu might not be

I have to comfort myself: at least my tickets are B category, and not so expensive,
I can give them up if Yuzu doesn't attend WTT

 

[xibsuarz]

In the meanwhile, this morning there was general selling for World Team Trophy.
I personally think the chance of Yuzu going to WTT is at most 50%...maybe less than 30%?

Therefore, initially I didn't buy tickets when there was pre-sale in last December.
Then, Yuzu withdraw from the Nationals, and I began to think, "Perhaps, perhaps he wants to
skate in front of the home crowd? Because he skated only once in NHK trophy this season,
with no shows at all in the preseason..." I tried another pre-sale, and to my surprise,
it was not easy at all. I've only got category B tickets!

So, this morning at 10:00am I sat before my PC seeking for a little bit better seats.
BUT! All the tickets for men' short, free and exhibition were sold out within one minute
OK maybe not one minute, but certainly within two minutes!!!
This is crazy... I think Yuzu fans in Japan are desperate nowadays enough
to take a risk to buy tickets for the competition where Yuzu might not be

I have to comfort myself: at least my tickets are B category, and not so expensive,
I can give them up if Yuzu doesn't attend WTT

Well, I think there are some strict rules regarding WTT attendance for skaters. Barring an injury or illness (with Medical Certificate), the assigned skaters have to go, otherwise, they can't do ice shows/competitions for basically all of April. And since it's based on World Standings and season's best scores, I don't see how Yuzuru will not be assigned to it. I know he usually doesn't have any events scheduled on April, but the announcement also leaves the possibility of an additional sanction to the skater who skips it without medical reasons. And as you said I think Yuzu would love to compete in Japan one more time

 

[Leanna A]

As expected, many Japanese will go to 4CC. (How many?) According to a news report from Korea, up till 25 Jan, a total of 4542 tickets were bought by Japanese. The press thinks Yuzuru is the reason for the sale of those tickets.

From forums in China, many Yuzu’s fans are going to 4CC too. They have been forming different groups (in different regions or provinces) in WeChat to form groups to go to watch 4CC and also the 2018 WO. Quite a number of them have never watched Yuzu live in person before. Yuzu is very popular and adored in China. His popularity is increasing.

I wish Yuzuru a joyful and successful competition there! :luv17:

 

[daisy616]

Yes, I know the rule, but if Yuzu feels something wrong with his condition after the World,
which will be likely because his Lisfranc hasn't fully healed,
I think he can and should get medical certificate and not take part in WTT.
Olympic season is now just around the corner, so.
Anyway, my only wish is that he will skate well at the World.
I won't complain whatever he will do about WTT.
(I will be extremely happy if I can see him there of course.)

Well, I think there are some strict rules regarding WTT attendance for skaters. Barring an injury or illness (with Medical Certificate), the assigned skaters have to go, otherwise, they can't do ice shows/competitions for basically all of April. And since it's based on World Standings and season's best scores, I don't see how Yuzuru will not be assigned to it. I know he usually doesn't have any events scheduled on April, but the announcement also leaves the possibility of an additional sanction to the skater who skips it without medical reasons. And as you said I think Yuzu would love to compete in Japan one more time

 

[Yatagarasu]

Yuzuru's injury is fine now, or did I miss something?


Anyway, mcq, I blame you for this! I was dreaming about 4CC and for some reason we weren't watching but getting the news only. So he skates and there's a lull in info and then it comes through. Yuzuru started with a 4Lo-3Lo-3Lo. I jumped up in bed faster than you can blink! This is all your fault

 

[Li'Kitsu]

Well, I think there are some strict rules regarding WTT attendance for skaters. Barring an injury or illness (with Medical Certificate), the assigned skaters have to go, otherwise, they can't do ice shows/competitions for basically all of April. And since it's based on World Standings and season's best scores, I don't see how Yuzuru will not be assigned to it. I know he usually doesn't have any events scheduled on April, but the announcement also leaves the possibility of an additional sanction to the skater who skips it without medical reasons. And as you said I think Yuzu would love to compete in Japan one more time

I kind of doubt JSF would ban Yuzu from skating in shows in Japan or give him any other sanctions if he skips WTT, no matter why. The $$$'s say so

And given WTT is after 4CC & WC, I doubt Yuzu has decided on that himself yet. Way more important things ahead that require his focus for now.

 

[Leanna A]

Some thoughts (my first time expressing my personal opinion) about the 4S combo in LP:

Some (or many) Yuzu fans from different parts of the world have been concerning the 4S combo in LP as it has never been landed in competitions. That cost about 15 points? each. It will even cost … …

I am on the side that the 4S combo MUST be moved to the first half as soon as possible (better immediately) as it proves to be counterproductive to the whole program and the result.

To Yuzu, 1 of the reasons (or the main reason) not moving the combo to the 1st half is:
It “means lower or water down the elements”, which we know he’s never done that.

On the contrary, scientifically and strategy-wise, the fact is moving that combo to 1st half (where it should be) actually refines, modifies and strengthens the program. Most importantly, it maximizes the chance of skating a clean/ perfect program (so winning) with even (much) less physical and mental effort and burden.

Hope Yuzu has moved that combo to the first half as he simply just wanted to test it out before.

If he insists on the original layout, I do, as always, as his permanent fan, support him wholeheartedly and pray and wish him all the best.

 

[NordEsque]

I'm curious about how the rest of his performance is affected when he falls... I remember reading an on-sight account of his skate at GPF pointing out that he slowed down (a little)? Though it could have been at NHK... sorry not sure :noshake:

But he got similar PCS in both right (92)? Given that he has gotten such high PCS before (last year) and that his PCS score is always high in his SP, I think the judges are ready to give him higher in the free - perhaps 94-95 if he manages to be less affected by the fall? Though I thought his NHK skate seem great throughout... Javi seems to get quite consistent high FS PCS even when he falls quite a lot(?), though his program due to being less subtly maybe is easier when it comes to emphasizing the PCS elements?

 

[NordEsque]

FEDERER! YOU ABSOLUTE CHAMPION

Hahaha sorry topic: - (not that sorry actually )

 

[liv]

Do not apologize for THAT off topic!!! That 5th set was monster. Fed did it!!!

Ok.. back to yuzu....

 

[nekun]

If we judge the 4S combo in LP with Shae-Lynn's interview, it seem the combo was added to potry the strugle of figure skating to reach the top 'no pain, no gain' thingie

I'm not surprise if it true tho, coz Yuzu is some kind of skater who so into his program. Watch his skating is like watching some movie or hear a story telling.

 

[Maria Victoria]

FEDERER! YOU ABSOLUTE CHAMPION

Hahaha sorry topic: - not that sorry actually

I think there's quite a number of Yuzuru- Federer fans (am one of them actually). Over at FSUniverse, a poster actually described Yuzuru as the Roger Federer of figure skating, and I can see why: both are supremely elegant, combine power with finesse, and at their best elevate their sport into art. Most important, they are classy in the way they conduct themselves. Proud to be a fan of both.

 

[Li'Kitsu]

On the contrary, scientifically and strategy-wise, the fact is moving that combo to 1st half (where it should be) actually refines, modifies and strengthens the program.

I get that it makes the chances to be clean higher, but I don't see the rest tbh. With the music at the beginning and how fast he goes into the spin after the jump, I don't think Yuzu could fit the combo in there without throwing off the musical timing or making it look rushed regarding the break he does before the spin. Neither would really help him or strengthen the choreo in any way, IMO.

And while I get why people are frustrated with the quad combo there, I think you're doing yourselves no favors by being so adamant about it. You'll just end up being more frustrated when he doesn't change it, which very likely might happen ^^" I think he might change the choreo leading up to it, but he won't make the layout easier. No chance. And I'm not close to as pessimistic about it either - he didn't land the 2nd half 4T3T the first 2 outings either last season. Yes, it's been 2 more competitions where the 4S3T didn't work, but he's also lagging way behind due to his injury this season. I think he might very well land it at 4CC and/or WC, he can do it in practices after all.

 

[mcq]

Lol yes, and again I just watched 4 hrs of tennis and I am at the edge of my seat the whole time (that was a great match). But still not as stressed as watching Yuzuru at worlds. I think when you are rooting for someone, it became much more stressful. For tennis I just enjoyed the game and whoever wins I would be happy for them. But for Yuzu, because I want him to win maybe that's why sitting through a ~3 min and `~5 min skating program feels like 6 hours

topic: Congrats to the federer fan in this thread Too bad that things like this unlikely and is impossible to happen in singles skating, it would be such a joy (can you imagine Yuzuru or Plush winning worlds at 35 year old)

Anyway, mcq, I blame you for this! I was dreaming about 4CC and for some reason we weren't watching but getting the news only. So he skates and there's a lull in info and then it comes through. Yuzuru started with a 4Lo-3Lo-3Lo. I jumped up in bed faster than you can blink! This is all your fault

*gasps
It is just like me dreaming of Yuzuru landing an emergency 4Lz (I know, crazy, that's why it is a dream) because he missed the 4S combo and are trying to rack up the points lol. Don't blame me blame Yuzu
Anyway, a-3Lo combo for Yuzuru is not so bad, I guess? Heard javi practicing 3Lz3T3Lo combo (for whatever reason) and this combo really have almost no benefit point wise. But judging from Orser's last interview, it seems we really will not see any major changes in layout unless something dramatic happens. :think:

 

[Yatagarasu]

*gasps
It is just like me dreaming of Yuzuru landing an emergency 4Lz (I know, crazy, that's why it is a dream) because he missed the 4S combo and are trying to rack up the points lol. Don't blame me blame Yuzu
Anyway, a-3Lo combo for Yuzuru is not so bad, I guess? Heard javi practicing 3Lz3T3Lo combo (for whatever reason) and this combo really have almost no benefit point wise. But judging from Orser's last interview, it seems we really will not see any major changes in layout unless something dramatic happens. :think:

My hips were aching when I woke up
Oh goodness, I admit to having a YOLO 4Lz as a thought here and there because my brain adores coming up with scenarios that are just right to give me heart palpitations so I feel you. I didn't need to go to sleep for that either

Honestly, I think Brian's mostly doing good PR here, in terms of trying to tone down the hype after the US Nats. What Yuzuru will decide we'll see, but overall it's smart to simply point to two international, better, results and bring a touch of reality. It's like a cold shower ... if possible but then I am not sure how many will listen to math. I saw the combo and was mostly confused but it might be that it was what was possible at the time, and it's some slight increase, even if just over by a point or so that also works well as a psychology boost. We'll see what our lad has in store for us. Should be fun :roll9: