2014 SKATE CANADA: Pairs Preview

The 2014-2015 edition of the Meagan Duhamel show kicks off tomorrow. I hope she learns to point her feet for the event. The top two seem pretty clear here, but bronze is up for grabs.





Podium Predictions:
Gold: Duhamel & Radford (CAN)
Silver: Sui & Han (CHN)
Bronze: Tarasova & Morozov (RUS)

Duhamel & Radford (CAN) pretty much felt they were guaranteed an Olympic bronze last year, but then Ksenia Stolbova happened. They repeated as world bronze medalists last season, but I feel like that's not enough for Meagan. She is in it to win it for another four years cycle, but finding the perfect programs will be key. The artistic side of skating is foreign to them, but God bless her vegan diet.

Sui & Han (CHN) are looking to hit the reset button after a strong campaign the last quad ended without a trip to the Olympics. Age is no longer a concern, and if they are healthy, they could be on the verge of a world medal this season. Now that they are teamed with Bin Yao and Hongbo Zhou, their ISU standing should escalate.

Tarasova & Morozov (RUS) have two of the most famous names in the figure skating world. They placed an impressive second at the Nebelhorn Trophy after also placing second at junior worlds last season. They have an excellent opportunity to medal here if they hit their elements.

The Rest of the Field:
Jones & Reagan (CAN)-4th at 2014 US International Classic, 7th at Skate Canada Autumn Classic
Moore-Towers & Marinaro (CAN)-No competitive history
James & Cipres (FRA)-5th at 2014 Europeans, 10th at 2014 Olympics, 10th at 2014 Worlds, 4th at 2014 Nebelhorn Trohpy
Vartmann & Van Cleave (GER)-9th at 2014 Europeans, 3rd at 2014 Coup de Nice
Aaron & Settlage (USA)-5th at 2014 World Juniors, 3rd at 2014 US International Classic, 6th at 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy, 5th at 2014 Skate America 

2013 Skate Canada: Pairs Preview

I am a big fan of Meaghan Duhamel & Eric Radford (CAN). They have really shown us the value of hard work and also that a pair can rise up the ladder quickly if they are on the same page. I was thrilled to see them on the World podium last season and they have a real shot at the Olympic podium. They are the favorites here and if they win, it will be their first GP win. Two huge performances on home ice could help set them apart from Moore-Towers & Moscovitch.


We didn't see much of Wenjing Sui & Cong Han (CHN) last season, only a disappointing 12th at

Worlds. They were a force to be reckoned with in their first two years on the Grand Prix. They are exciting to watch and I hope they get that little bit of magic back. They are a near lock for the Olympic team since the Chinese pairs are in such dire straits, but they need to work their way back up the rankings and their road to Sochi starts here. Knowing their energy, I cannot wait to see their Chicago free skate, but I hope they've worked on their connection and chemistry.

Stefania Berton & Ondrej Hotarek (ITA) are not my favorite team in the world, but in a weak field, they look poised to medal. His yellow pants blinded us at Skate America....how lucky are we to see them again? All jokes aside, I must say that their one handed lift in the short was the highlight of the pairs event for me. They are a taller pair, so they have much longer lines and some more impressive lifts than the smaller pairs. I missed their free skate at Skate America, so I'll be excited to see it here. They have a handful of Grand Prix medals and I think they'll add to their collection here.




I'm looking for Paige Lawrence & Rudi Swiegers (CAN) to step it up. They have been spinning their wheels for the past two seasons, but with Canada earning 3 pairs spots for the Sochi Olympics, they have a golden opportunity to step up and seize it. If they flop here again, Canada could look to send a younger team of the future.

My dark horse pick, not necessarily to medal, but to turn some heads and make a splash would be Haven Denney & Brandon Frazier (USA). They are the reigning World Junior champs and this is their first major senior event. It isn't nearly as hard to break into the senior level in pairs as it is in ice dance, case in point, Sui and Han. This team has the technical goods, their artistry is improving, and they are quite consistent. Don't be surprised if they sneak in for a bronze.

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Duhamel & Radford (CAN)
Silver: Sui & Han (CHN)
Bronze: Berton & Hotarek (ITA)

The Rest of the Field:
Lawrence & Swiegers (CAN)
Purdy & Marinaro (CAN)
Vartmann & Van Cleave (GER)
Davis & Brubaker (USA)
Denney & Frazier (USA)

2012 Grand Prix Final: Pairs Preview

This event is kind of a hodgepodge. I feel like no pair has impressed me this year. The fact that Denney & Coughlin are the 1st alternates shows you how weak the pairs field is this season.

Volosozhar & Trankov (RUS) are certainly the frontrunners. They should be at least 20 points ahead of the rest of the field. They are outstanding and if they can stay healthy, they should take the World title this year. They don't make me nervous when they compete because I know they'll hit every element. Plus, he's easy on the eyes.

Pang & Tong (CHN) should be podium favorites. After all these years, they are still divine. I feel like we we see the same lyrical programs from them each year, but with different costumes and music. But if it aint broke, I guess you don't need to fix it.

I'd actually love to see Kavaguti & Smirnov (RUS) take the silver this year, but just when I start to believe in them, they find a way to screw things up. They almost always peak early in the season and then fizzle out by Worlds. They are aging and she has a history of injuries, so their window to win another World, and possibly an Olympic medal is closing.

Duhamel & Radford (CAN) are one of my favorite pairs these days. They have accomplished so much but still have a lot of upside. They are getting better every season and I see them being a real podium threat in 2014.They need to up the ante in terms of their chemistry and on-ice expression and they'll move up to the top tier.

Bazarova & Larionov (RUS) were the beneficiaries of a weak field at both of their events. She has no jump in her jumps and he is just "there". They are, in a word, 'dull'. They are fading fast, in my opinion, and I believe Stolbova & Klimov or one of the rising junior teams will pass them in time for Sochi.

Moore-Towers & Moscovitch (CAN) also benefitted from an easy schedule. They are fine, I actually loved them back in the Zorba/Les Mis season, but they are falling fast compared to Duhamel & Radford. One of their best qualities is they know how to do them. They know their style and they stick to it. There's nothing phenomenal about the Queen Free skate, but then again I'd hate to see them do Dr. Zhivago.

Podium Predictions:
1) Volosozhar & Trankov (RUS)
2) Pang & Tong (CHN)
3) Kavaguti & Smirnov (RUS)

Skate Canada: Pairs Short Program LIVE BLOG!

2) Tiffany Vise & Don Baldwin (USA)
     Music: Open Arms

• They look like they feel awkward doing that opening sequence
• I really like the pairs that jump opposite of one another, but it's better when they land them
• She really must point that foot
• Feed cutting in and out terribly
• You know it's bad when the man's foot is pointed more than the woman's
• They should stick to more athletic programs as the artistry isn't their strongest suit
• She looks most at home in the lifts because she is such an athlete
• 24.41 (TES) + 23.06 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 46.47

3) Daria Popova & Bruno Massot (FRA)

     Music: La Belle Historie

• They are intense,  love it!
• This team looks slick
• The entrance into that throw was long and labored, the throw was very crashy
• Oy vey, so let's take back what I said about this team looking slick, they are falling apart at the seems
• Early season pairs events are usually a travesty and this one is certainly living up
• 25.53 (TES) + 23.90 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 48.43 

4) Paige Lawrence & Rudi Swiegers (CAN)

 Music: Robin and Marion

• This opening is gorgeous
• They look so smooth and fast
• Paige is such a precious little pixie
• Really tight SBS jumps
• This is really the best I've ever seen them
• That was divine-like a breath of fresh air
• 25.90 (TES) + 26.98 (PCS) = 52.88

5) Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford (CAN)

 Music: La Boheme

• Odd costuming, I don't like it at all
• I kind of like Eric's long hair flapping in the wind, but it looks more like Ice Dance hair
• These lifts are going to be very slick by the end of the season' they are choppy now but they'll get there
• They are telegraphing those jumps, they can do better
• That throw looked doomed from the takeoff, how did she land it?
• He is much more enjoyable to watch now; she is stiff but he is so fluid
• She needs to mimic his reckless abandon 
• 35.35 (TES) + 29.14 (PCS) = 64.49

6) Stefania Berton & Ondrej Hotarek (ITA)

 Music: Paint it Black

• Wow this is smooth
• The lines are wonderful in all black, though I could do without her Morticia Addams spiderweb detail
• Spins a little off
• The are lacking in the fine details, but they kill it in their strength areas, the athletic jumps and throws 
• 31.13 (TES) + 28.66 (PCS) = 59.79

7) Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy (GER)

 Music: Kismet

•  Here come the disco animals from Lady Gaga's bathhouse
• Awesome speed, impeccable body lines
• Poor Robin, you know he just goes along with Aliona's every whim
• This has to be old hat to them, I just love how they keep it fresh every year
• These costumes are very Merce Cunningham
• Very cool entrance into the press lift and a very unique ending
• 38.63 (TES) + 33.63 (PCS) = 72.26

Skate Canada: Pairs Preview

Friday October 26th at 3:45 pm-Short Program
Saturday October 27th at 1:05 pm-Free Skate
I should be available to live blog the Short Program.

This is not a competition for Gold, it's a competition for Silver. Savchenko & Szolkowy (GER) have their season sewn up until they meet up with Voloshozar & Trankov. I cannot wait to see their new programs as they are always so innovative and unique. I appreciate that they still take risks even though they are at the point in their careers where they could phone it in.

Duhamel & Radford (CAN) look poised to take their second Skate Canada medal and it should most likely be silver. They are on their way to becoming a top pair as long as they stay together. They have a great look and they alway seem so happy and grateful when they do well. They should be the top North American pair team for years to come.

Lawrence & Swiegers (CAN) medaled at this event two years ago, but they slumped in 2011. Partly due to a relatively weak field, I think they will take bronze here. I'm also very excited to see that War Horse program.

Berton & Hotarek (ITA) will be the other candidates for bronze. They took 3rd at Rostelecom Cup last year and finished just outside of the top-ten at Worlds last year and nearly medaled at Europeans.

My Podium Predictions:
Gold: Savchenko & Szolkowy (GER)
Silver: Duhamel & Radford (CAN)
Bronze: Lawrence & Swiegers (CAN)

The Rest of the Field:
Popova & Massot (FRA)
Kemp & King (GBR)
Davis & Ladwig (USA)
Vise & Baldwin (USA)

2012 World Figure Skating Championships: Pairs Preview

 Here we are again, can you believe the figure skating season is nearly over already?  But before the season ends, we get the best event of the year, Worlds. Pairs will certainly be an interesting event. Three teams dominated the senior Grand Prix, but we have a set of former World Champs from China returning, as well as a pair of Chinese youngsters making their senior Worlds debut. Aside from who will medal, another interesting storyline is if the teams from the USA and Canada can come together and secure their country a third spot at the pre-Olympic Worlds in 2013. The pairs skate their Short Program Wednesday March 28th at 8:00 am EST and their Free Skate on Friday March 30th at 2:30 pm EST.

Podium Predictions
1) Savchenko & Szolkowy (GER)
2) Volosozhar & Trankov (RUS)
3) Kavaguti & Smirnov (RUS)

Top Contenders

Savchenko & Szoklowy (GER) had an up and down season by their standards, winning Gold at Skate America, Cup of Russia, and the Grand Prix Final, Bronze at NHK Trophy, and withdrawing from Europeans due to injury. I think they easily have the finest pairs programs of the season, their Pina free skate is so artistic and contemporary; nothing else holds a candle to it. I’m picking them to win their second consecutive and fourth overall World title.

Volosozhar & Trankov (RUS) were the other dominant pair this season. They won Skate Canada, Trophee Eric Bompard, and Europeans. They won Silver behind the Germans at the Grand Prix Final and they too with drew this season due to injury, but it was from Russian Nationals. They have impressive technical elements and outstanding chemistry, but I prefer the polish of the Germans to the flash and athleticism of the Russians.

Kavaguti & Smirnov (RUS) also took two Golds on the Grand Prix, at Cup of China and NHK Trophy. They picked up a Silver at Cup of Russia and a Bronze at the Grand Prix Final. Continuing the theme, they also struggled with injury and withdrew from Europeans and Russian Nationals. They have two very diverse programs, a passionate edgy short, and a lyrical long to Claire de Lune. They missed the World podium last year after a fall, but I think they’ll find their way back there if they go clean.

Pang & Tong (CHN) will be a curious case to say the least. They were fantastic last season and finished it off with a Bronze at Worlds, but we haven’t seen them since then. They planned to take time off to rest and get married, but they found they loved skating too much to take a full year off. China needs them too, they only have two slots for pairs this season, a travesty by their standards, so they’ll look to help get that third spot back. They are a beautiful team and that is what they exploit in their programs, but I’d love to see them take a risk and try something with an edge to it. That may be what they need to challenge the top three at this point.

In The Hunt

Sui & Han (CHN) appeared to be in a bit of a sophomore slump, and by that I mean they didn’t make the Grand Prix Final as they did in their debut season, but they came back with a big time win at Four Continents. Their attempt at maturity in their new Tango free skate was all but laughable at the beginning of the season, but now they are really starting to to grow into it. Expect them to make a huge splash in their senior Worlds debut.

Bazarova & Larionov (RUS) are an elegant team with beautiful lines, but unfortunately that's about all they're offering this season. They haven't upped their technical game and they've been less than consistent. They are normally a shoe in for the Grand Prix Final, but a poor showing at Skate America knocked them out of the running. 

Denney & Coughlin (USA) are the hot new American team, but unfortunately they are still an American team and that usually means choking at Worlds. They have pretty impressive elements, but they are packaged as athletes,  not as artists, and than needs to change next season if they expect to compete with the best teams in the World.

Duhamel & Radford (CAN) were fantastic on the Grand Prix and even qualified for the final. They easily won their Nationals with what looked like the performance of a lifetime, but it seems they may have peaked too soon. 

Takahashi &Tran (JPN) have been all over the place this season, placing fourth and second at their Grand Prix events and qualifying for the Grand Prix Final. They can be described in four words: beautiful lines, inconsistent elements. Narumi just seems to have no self-confidence in the throws and jumps and that needs to be addressed before they can reach their full potential.

Berton & Hotarek (ITA) stepped up their International game this season, finishing 4th and 3rd in their Grand Prix assignments and fourth at Europeans. I don't love their look on the ice, but the judges clearly appreciate their elements. They've been pretty consistent this season and if they stay that way, they can finish well.

Marley & Brubaker (USA) are attending their first Worlds, though Rockne was here with a previous partner. If Mary Beth can block out the pressure of the World stage, they have a good shot at making a splash. They won Silver at Nationals and their first International medal in Bronze at Four Continents so they are well on their way if they stay clean and consistent. They can't afford any mistakes though, because no judges will give a relatively new team the benefit of the doubt.

Dube & Wolfe (CHN) are in a similar situation to Marley & Brubaker. She has a lot of Worlds experience but he has none. They got better at every event this season and finished a surprise 2nd at Canadians to earn a spot on the World team over some more experienced teams. They won't challenged for a medal as Dube did with Davison, but they can earn some International judges' favor if they are clean.

The Rest Of The Field

Martini & Kiefer (AUT)

Bakirova & Kamianchuk (BLR)

Makarova & Kenchadze (BUL)

Ri & Thae (PRK)

James & Cipres (FRA)

Hausch &Wende (GER)

Vartmann & Van Cleave (GER)

Kemp & King (GBR)

Montalbano & Krasnopolski (ISR)

Della Monica & Guarise (ITA)

Morand & Leemann (SUI)

2012 Four Continents Championships: Pairs Free Skate LIVE Coverage

1) Huibo Dong & Yiming Wu (CHN)
 Music: Mulan

• Huge split 3twist
• Some issues on both sets of SBS jumps
• A lot of position changes, but not the beauty we're used to from the other teams
• Very sloppy death spiral positions, grip changes to up the level
• There is not much of a performance here, no attention to character, who are they even playing?
• Gigantic throw, as per the Chinese tradition
• This is very much a string of elements with no artistry at all
• They look happy to have made it through the program, very winded

46.37 (TES) + 42.02 (PCS) = 88.39
49.52 (SP) + 88.39 (FS) = 137.91

2) Yue Zhang & Lei Wang (CHN)
 Music: Singin' In the Rain

• That's a very cute opening
• Was that only a split double twist? From the Chinese?
• A little timing issue on the SBS jumps
• Good ice coverage on that lift, I like the spinning exit; cleaner positions than the other Chinese team
• They look like they're having a lot of fun out there
• Some unison problems on the spins, he is rotating much faster than her
• Nice smooth throw, not the power of Dong/Wu
• Turn out of the 2nd throw, a little low on the landing
• Backward entrance adds difficulty to that lift
• That spiral with her foot on his shoulder is unique, it's risky for him
• Major skid getting that final lift up, that could've been really scary
• Much more attention to performance than Dong/Wu, I appreciate the commitment

46.77 (TES) + 45.43 (PCS) = 92.20
48.04 (SP) + 92.20 (FS) = 140.24

3) Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford (CAN)
 Music: Viva La Vida, Yellow

• I'm loving Meagan's braid
• She looks smaller than normal to me for some reason
• Really good split twist, I love the footwork into it 
• This is a very well composed program
• Hand down from Meagan on the first jump, but they still execute the 3-jump combo
• Fall from Meagan on the second jump sequence, some thing has looked really off with her this week
• Eric has really grown on me, my eye is going to him more than Meagan now
• I love that swinging entrance into the spins
• I love it when the spins transition the music into the 2nd piece
• It's nitpicky, but his shirt is a little too blousy for me
• He's looking really unsteady on these lifts
• Good save muscling out that throw, she's a fighter
• She floats like nobody's business into those lifts
• Hand down and maybe a 2-foot on the 2nd throw
• They are giving up a ton of points here and there
• Not the dream free skate they had a Canadians, but they still have Worlds left to peak

62.27 (TES) + 52.96 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 114.23
57.53 (SP) + (FS) = 171.76

4) Jessica Dube & Sebastien Wolfe (CAN)
 Music: Heroes by Phillip Glass

• This music kills me but I won't hold it against them
• I can't imagine rehearsing to this music daily
• The split twist is still eluding them, but it's getting there
• She' the veteran, she should be able to land these jumps
• Slight unison on the spins
• The free skate is usually where the "newness" in this pair shows
• She just sat that throw down, perhaps a speed issue
• They are having trouble relating to this music
• Another fall on the throw, he looked to mouth "I'm sorry" to her
• They're really unraveling, I'm praying for safe lifts
• She seems to have no energy whatsoever, but he still looks strong
• That carry lift needs more ice coverage and perhaps a more robust section of the music to be effective

49.45 (TES) + 49.66 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 97.11
57.68 (SP) + 97.11 (FS) = 154.79

5) Paige Lawrence & Rudi Swiegers (CAN)
 Music: The Man in the Iron Mask

• This team has been focusing on PCS over TES, we'll see if it shows
• Sloppy shoulder catch on the split 3 twist
• Slight unison break on the SBS jumps
• More unison issues on the 2a sequence
• Paige is usually such a firecracker but this program doesn't have any life to me
• More unison problems on the spins
• I like that they're having fun, but they're a little too smiley for this dramatic music
• That hydroblade entrance into the death spiral was cool
• They still look pretty high energy about halfway through
• Rough entrance into that lift, a struggle to get up, you could see Paige talking him through
• Not a lot of distance or height on these throws, but at least they're landing them
• Very labored on the lifts, I think the backloading of the program is backfiring at this altitude

49.99 (TES) + 50.70 (PCS) = 100.69
57.97 (SP) + 100.69 (FS) = 158.66

6) Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig
 Music: Daphnis et Chloe

• A little messy on the split twist, but that's never their strong suit anyway
• Both step out of the SBS jump, but in perfect unison
• This is the best choreography of the whole event in my opinion
• Fall on the 1st throw
• She looks tentative, never a good sign
• She may have singled the axel, I couldn't tell
• Fantastic twist into that stand on his thigh
• Very smooth in and out of the death spiral
• Beautiful 2nd throw
• Very nice elements thus far aside from the throw, no falls on the jumps here from Amanda at all, step in the right direction
• Their lifts are more grand than anyone else, bar none
• I wish his shirt were the same color as the midsection on her dress
• Great toss into that final lift
• Lovely spin positions, but a little slow in that pair spin
• Clunky exit out of that final lift, an unfortunate way to end the program

54.30 (TES) + 53.94 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 107.24
60.75 (SP) + 107.24 (FS) = 167.99

7) Wenjing Sui & Cong Han (CHN)
 Music: The Soul of Flamenco

• She's bringing out her inner diva on that elaborate entrance
• This program grows on me every competition
• Quad throw! Two-footed, but hey!
• 4twist, rough catch, but at least they're getting it done
• A little out of unison, but strong 3-jump sequence
• They seem more calm here, not as frantic as earlier in the season
• She could stretch out the free leg and foot more on the death spiral
• A little unison break in the spin position change
• Her flexibility on that spiral is phenomenal
• This program is light years better than it was in September
• Fantastic 2nd throw, that got so much difference
• That upside down entrance into the press lift is really cool
• Ohh scary moment mid-lift, she puts her arms on his shoulders to save her balance
• A lot of speed on that last lift, good rotation
• Great program from them, they look more grown up every time
• They look exhausted, breath kids breath!

75.54 (TES) + 59.54 (PCS) = 135.08
66.75 (SP) + 135.08 (FS) = 201.83

8) Narumi Takahashi & Mervin Tran (JPN)
 Music: Concerto de Quebec

• This team couldn't be more different from what we just saw
• Only a split 2twist
• Hard spill for Narumi, nearly fell on her face
• Wow what a mess on that SBS sequence, she singled, he stumbled and cut the 2nd jump
• If they had Sui/Han's technical tricks, they'd be unstoppable with their elegance
• She's one of those skaters who can't hit a bad position, other pair ladies must watch he rlifts
• A two-foot and a step out on the 1st throw, same on the 2nd
• He nearly skated over her on the 2nd throw, that was terrifying
• It must be so hard to keep going after all those mistakes
• And they nearly skated into the board out of their 2nd lift, just not their night at all
• Lovely extension and toe point in that 3rd lift, exit could've been more smooth

55.32 (TES) + 55.25 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 109.57
61.54 (SP) + 109.57 (FS) = 171.11

9) Caydee Denny & John Coughlin (USA)
 Music: Nessun Dorma

• Their elaborate entrances to center ice are too high drama even for me
• This program is growing on me, I hated the guitar early in the season but it suits them
• Gorgeous split 3twist
• Nice throw, a little scratchy, but good glide out
• Near perfect unison on the SBS jumps
• It was a fight, but landed the 2nd SBS sequence
• They have great spin unison for a new pair, that's usually the hardest thing to ma
• The lift positions are just not attractive, a stern Russian ballet teacher could work that out in no time
• Awesome 2nd throw, huge roar from the crowd
• That catch-foot position is slightly more attractive because the bum isn't sticking up
• Here is that carry lift that John dreams about everyday
• Her foot gets scarily close to his head up there
• A big scary on that headbanger at the end, he bent his knees and barely muscled her back up                     

62.82 (TES) + 59.25 (PCS) = 122.07
63.35 (SP) + 122.07 (FS) = 185.42

10) Mary Beth Marley & Rockne Brubaker (USA)
 Music: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor by Rachmaninov

• Come on guys, earn  yourself a medal!
• This program suits them so well, and it's appropriate for their age situation
• Mary Beth falls on the same jump she missed in warmup
• A little crashy on the split twist, looked labored
• She steps out of the double axel, she looks a little antsy today
• I love their SBS split jumps, I must've missed that at Nationals
• Good spinning unison, that's a big area of improvement over last season
• Good throw, good job Mary Beth
• Her lift positions are improving at every event
• That pair spiral is beautiful, she looks so happy to be out there
• Very nice carry lift on one leg, good ice coverage
• It would be great to see some more variation in the lift positions, but that will come
• Two-foots the 2nd throw, again a good save
• They gave away a lot of points here and there, it's going to be close if they land on the podium

60.91 (TES) + 56.56 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 116.47
62.42 (SP) + 116.47 (FS) = 178.89

1	Wenjing SUI / Cong HAN	CHN	201.83	1	1
2	Caydee DENNEY / John COUGHLIN	USA	185.42	2	2
3	Mary Beth MARLEY / Rockne BRUBAKER	USA	178.89	3	3
4	Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD	CAN	171.76	8	4
5	Narumi TAKAHASHI / Mervin TRAN	JPN	171.11	4	5
6	Amanda EVORA / Mark LADWIG	USA	167.99	5	6
7	Paige LAWRENCE / Rudi SWIEGERS	CAN	158.66	6	7
8	Jessica DUBE / Sebastien WOLFE	CAN	154.79	7	8
9	Yue ZHANG / Lei WANG	CHN	140.24	10	9
10	Huibo DONG / Yiming WU	CHN	137.91	9	10

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CH	IN	Ded. -	StN.
1	Wenjing SUI / Cong HAN	CHN	135.08	75.54		59.54	7.46	7.04	7.79	7.46	7.46	0.00	#7
2	Caydee DENNEY / John COUGHLIN	USA	122.07	62.82		59.25	7.43	7.00	7.57	7.46	7.57	0.00	#9
3	Mary Beth MARLEY / Rockne BRUBAKER	USA	116.47	60.91		56.56	7.04	6.89	7.14	7.25	7.04	1.00	#10
4	Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD	CAN	114.23	62.27		52.96	6.71	6.50	6.54	6.71	6.64	1.00	#3
5	Narumi TAKAHASHI / Mervin TRAN	JPN	109.57	55.32		55.25	6.93	6.86	6.71	7.14	6.89	1.00	#8
6	Amanda EVORA / Mark LADWIG	USA	107.24	54.30		53.94	6.82	6.64	6.61	6.93	6.71	1.00	#6
7	Paige LAWRENCE / Rudi SWIEGERS	CAN	100.69	49.99		50.70	6.57	6.36	6.04	6.43	6.29	0.00	#5
8	Jessica DUBE / Sebastien WOLFE	CAN	97.11	49.45		49.66	6.46	6.04	6.04	6.36	6.14	2.00	#4
9	Yue ZHANG / Lei WANG	CHN	92.20	46.77		45.43	5.75	5.43	5.71	5.82	5.68	0.00	#2
10	Huibo DONG / Yiming WU	CHN	88.39	46.37		42.02	5.54	5.00	5.36	5.25	5.11	0.00	#1

2012 Four Continents Championships: Pairs Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Duhamel & Radford (CAN)
2) Sui & Han (CHN) 
3) Denney & Coughlin (USA)

Choosing against a Chinese pairs team may be counter-intuitive, but I'm going with the heartwarming story and Duhamel & Radford (CAN) have great momentum going into this event. Since the event is in North America, Colorado Springs specifically, this is practically a home game for them as they won't have to adjust to much of a time difference and there will certainly be a decent Canadian crowd. They are coming off the high of winning Canadian Nationals decisively and they have ambitions technical elements that rival the top teams in the world. They won't get the PCS of the top European teams, but their unison and chemistry is undeniable and they won't face the best in the World until the compete in Nice in March. This will be a good test for them to see how ready they are to contend on the big stage.

Pre-season, it seemed an afterthought that Sui & Han (CHN)  would be contenders for the World podium this season after a stellar debut last year, but they've fallen off a bit with inconsistencies and technical mistakes. They are moving in a more mature direction with a Tango Free Skate, but they still look like a junior team to me. If they hit here, they could win, but they have yet to do so this season and I won't believe it until I see it.

I'm finally drinking the Kool-Aid and buying into Denny & Coughlin (USA) after a convincing win at US Nationals last week. I'm not saying they have World medal potential, but you can't deny that they are consistent and have had a good overall freshman season. Their artistry needs work, but they have solid pair technique and their unison is pretty spot-on for a new team. Time will tell if they can break the curse of the other American pairs and actually go the distance. Their "elegance" is non-existent, but but that is a learned trait and they do have one of the most important intangibles, the competitive edge. Their packaging also needs an overhaul, from costuming to hair and makeup.

A personal favorite of mine is Takahashi & Tran (JPN) and I'd actually love to see them win, but they are so inconsistent. If one of them isn't falling on the side-by-side jumps, its the other. They are elegant and have an on-ice maturity beyond their years, but inconsistency is a major problem and somebody needs to teach them how to compete.

Another team to watch out for is Marley & Brubaker (USA) who made a big splash at US Nationals, winning the short program and nearly taking the title save for a few uncharacteristic mistakes. Though they won't be thought of as medal contenders this season, this is a polished, athletic team on the rise and they have plenty of gas left in the tank with many years left to climb the ranks

On the opposite end of the pairs spectrum you have Evora & Ladwig (USA) who are entering the twilight of their careers without  much international success. We can't keep making excuses for them by saying "they are great, but..." and they just need to man up and land those jumps if they are ever going to crack the top 6 at Worlds. We saw a US pair do it last season but that was after they put together 2 perfect programs. Will Evora & Ladwig ever win a major international medal before they retire? They have as much of a shot as any to do that here if they hit. 

Grand Prix Final: Pairs Preview

Savchenko & Szolkowy struggled in their first 2 events of the season, but only because they're trying really difficult elements. They are one of those teams that I expect to win every time they take the ice, and this event is no exception. This is certain to be an exciting event as it is the first head-to-head match up between the Germans and Volosozhar & Trankov. Each team picked up two Gold medals, but neither team has peaked yet so it will be exciting to see them grow throughout the rest of the season. Kavaguti & Smirnov also picked up two Gold medals this season and can seize Gold here if the other teams make mistakes.

So we have the medal favorites, and then a second wave of teams that are pretty good in their own right. Zhang & Zhang are back after a year off and they've been competent, but not inspired. Takahashi & Tran are so young and they have the elegance and beauty to be a top team if they could improve the consistency in their technical elements. Skating against this field will help them take their careers to a new level. Duhamel & Radford are a feel good team  because you know they are workhorses and it's great to see that work pay off. They are a joy to watch and I love their programs, though they don't have the polish of the top flight.

Placement Predictions:
1) Savchenko & Szolkowy (GER) Season's Highest GP Score 208.69
2) Volosozhar & Trankov (RUS) Season's Highest GP Score 201.38
3) Kavaguti & Smirnov (RUS) Season's Highest GP Score 197.84
4) Zhang & Zhang (CHN) Season's Highest GP Score 178.66
5) Duhamel & Radford (CAN) Season's Highest GP Score 176.62
6) Takahashi & Tran (JPN) Season's Highest GP Score 172.09


Competitive History: 


Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford (CAN)-3rd at 2011 Trophee Eric Bompard, 3rd at 2011 Skate Canada, 7th 2011 Worlds, 2nd 2011 Four Continents, 5th 2010 Skate Canada, 3rd 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 181.79 at 2011 Four Continents (Skate Canada, Trophee Eric Bompard)


Yuko Kavaguti & Alexander Smirnov (JPN)-2nd at 2011 Rostelecom Cup, 1st at 2011 NHK Trophy, 1st at 2011 Cup of China, 4th 2011 Worlds, 2nd 2011 Europeans, 1st 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 3rd 2010 Worlds, 4th 2010 Winter Olympics; PB: 213.15 at 2010 Europeans (Cup of China, NHK Trophy, Rostelecom Cup)


Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy (GER)-1st at 2011 Rostelecom Cup, 3rd at 2011 NHK Trophy, 1st at 2011 Skate America, 1st 2011 Worlds, 1st 2011 Europeans, 1st 2010 Grand Prix Final, 1st 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st 2010 Skate America, 2nd 2010 Worlds, 3rd 2010 Winter Olympics; PB: 217.85 at 2011 Worlds (Skate America, NHK Trophy, Rostelecom Cup)


Narumi Takahashi & Mervin Tran (JPN)-2nd at 2011 NHK Trophy, 4th at 2011 Skate America, 9th 2011 Worlds, 7th 2011 Four Continents, 1st 2010 JGP Final, 2nd 2010 Cup of Russia, 3rd 2010 NHK Trophy, 2nd 2010 JGP Germany, 2nd 2010 JGP England; PB: 172.09 at 2011 NHK Trophy (Skate Canada, NHK Trophy)


Tatiana Volosozhar & Maxim Trankov (RUS)-1st at 2011 Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st at 2011 Skate Canada, 1st 2011 O Nepela, 1st 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 2nd 2011 Worlds, 1st 2011 Mont Blanc Trophy; PB: 210.73 at 2011 Worlds (Skate Canada, Trophee Eric Bompard)


Dan Zhang & Hao Zhang (CHN)-2nd at 2011 Cup of China, 2nd at 2011 Skate America, 5th 2010 Worlds, 5th 2010 Winter Olympics, 6th 2009 Grand Prix Final; PB: 197.82 at 2008 Worlds (Skate America, Cup of China)

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Trophee Eric Bompard Pairs Free Skate LIVE BLOG

1) Vanessa James & Morgan Cipres (FRA)
     Music: Nostalgia

• This is a very soft program compared to their very athletic short program
• Perfect unison on SBS jumps
• Very slow split double twist
• Nevermind what I said about being a "soft program"
• Good clean throw, not a lot of distance
• All that clean skating and he goes down on a simple crossover, they are practically laughing as they continue
• I like this music a lot, even if it is repetitive
• Very strong outing from them, it won't be medal-worthy, but they show promise
• Finish after the music

FS Score: 45.75 (TES) + 43.70 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 88.45
Total Score: 44.86 (SP) + (FS) = 133.31

2) Ksenia Stolbova & Fedor Klimov (RUS)
     Music: Polovetsian Dances

• They are so similar in size that the split twists are hard for them
• Her skirt is a little long for me, it gets in the way, and I hate those black tights
• She stumbles on jump #2 of the 3-jump combination
• They have a long way to go in terms of polish and elegance, though I feel they'll always be more of an athletic team
• Those lift positions really need some work, her foot is nowhere near pointed
• Wild on the throw, she puts a hand and a foot down
• Points for creativity on the death spiral entrance, but it's not pretty
• Hard fall and a big skid on the landing of the 2nd throw
• That was a very poor outing from them, I expected much more

FS Score: 43.08 (TES) + 46.17 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 88.25
Total Score: 48.81 (SP) + 88.25 (FS) = 137.06

3) Huibo Dong & Yiming Wu (CHN)
     Music: Mulan

• It's so cute that they're doing Mulan!
• Crash landing on the split triple twist
• Good jumping pass
• He nearly hits the boards
• Fall from him on the 2nd jumping pass
• They look very tentative in the lift
• Nearly a dead stop at the end of the death spiral
• Everything looks very slow and laboured
• Very slow spins
• This element layout follows that of the usual Chinese programs
• Fairly clean program, but no spark at all to be found

FS Score: 53.85 (TES) + 45.63 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 98.48
Total Score: 49.27 (SP) + 98.48 (FS) = 147.75

4) Jessica Dube & Sebastien Wolfe (CAN)
     Music: Heroes by Phillip Glass

• Good overall speed
• I love the cut of her dress but his shirt is so 1997
• Clean jumping until he put his hands down on the last one
• Off unison in the spins
• Tentative approach the the 1st throw, lacked speed and ice coverage
• I miss Bryce, but these two have potential together if they stick it out
• Better timing on the 2nd throw
• Didn't get the lift up, he couldn't get his arm straight, not sure if that completely devalues the lift or not
• Finished a little ahead of the music after the pair spin
• An okay outing, just fine for a brand new pair

FS Score: 48.06 (TES) + 49.38 (PCS) = 97.44
Total Score: 53.24 (SP) + 97.44 (FS) = 150.68

5) Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig (USA)
     Music: Daphnis et Chloe, Reverie

• I love the opening section, so fluid and gorgeous
• Great split twist
• Good jumps! Just a wild free leg swing from Amanda
• I love that little choreographed lift
• Good throw Amanda!
• Great speed and flow across the ice
• They are so beautiful I'm literally crying
• Ouch hard splat from Amanda on that double axel
• I say this every gosh darn competition, but they are so beautiful, but who that can only take you so far when you can land the 3 jumps you have to do in a program
• Their reverse entry lifts are so gorgeous, he is sooo strong
• I love the spiral sequence

FS Score: 54.04 (TES) + 58.85 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 111.89
Total Score: 57.69 (SP) + 111.89 (FS) = 169.58

6) Vera Bazarova & Yuri Larionov (RUS)
     Music: Doctor Zhivago

• Clean opening jumping pass
• Big split triple twist, because she weighs 7 pounds
• How she lands throws on those teeny tiny legs is beyond mee!
• All the jumps were clean, that's a big accomplishment for them!
• He actually gets pretty good leg height on that spiral
• Very slow rotation on the lift
• Very nice arch in the back from Vera
• When they land all their elements they pull big numbers, so this is a nice bounce back from Skate America where they only placed 5th
• Their lifts lack variety, but she doesn't hit a bad position

FS Score:65.34  (TES) +  (PCS) = 125.85
Total Score: 59.06 (SP) + (FS) = 184.91

7) Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford (CAN)
     Music: Viva la Vida, Yellow

• This is a beautiful program, something about it is so heart warming
• He is so much nicer to look at now that he cut his hair
• I love her arch before the split twist
• Unison issues on the SBS jumps, and they both land hands down on the 3rd jump
• Good clean double axels to recover
• I prefer a more traditional death spiral though I know variations improve the level
• Very good unison on the spins, quite remarkable for a team that is only a year old
• Feed stopped for a minute, not sure what I missed
• Nice 2nd throw
• Good lifts today, I believe those were a struggle at Skate Canada
• Good flexibility from her on the pair spin, but it was rally off center
• Abrupt ending, we know I hate those
• Apparently they fell on the 1st throw 

FS Score: 61.35 (TES) + 57.21 (PCS) - 3.00 (DED) = 115.56
Total Score: 61.06 (SP) + 115.56 (FS) = 176.62

8) Tatiana Volosozhar & Maxim Trankov (RUS)
     Music: Black Swan

• They are in a league of their own here
• Was that a split single twist?
• I'm so happy she scrapped the tutu
• Nice jumping pass
• Very soft knees from both of them
• Perfect unison on the 2nd jumping pass
• Hardly any loss of speed in the grip change on the death spiral
• He exits the spin one revolution before she does
• This is so athletic and so graceful at the same time
• Huge throw, what else can you say about how good that element was
• Wonderful lift position on her part, very fast rotation
• They get bonus for all these lifts in the second half
• I love where this 2nd throw is placed in the music, two-footed
• A little slow on that carry lift
• A few minor errors, but they will be your winners!

FS Score: 64.20 (TES) + 66.24 (PCS) = 130.44
Total Score: 63.69 (SP) + 130.44 (FS) = 194.13

Pl.	Name	Nation	Points	SP	FS
1	Tatiana VOLOSOZHAR / Maxim TRANKOV	RUS	194.13	1	1
2	Vera BAZAROVA / Yuri LARIONOV	RUS	184.91	3	2
3	Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD	CAN	176.62	2	3
4	Amanda EVORA / Mark LADWIG	USA	169.58	4	4
5	Jessica DUBE / Sebastien WOLFE	CAN	150.68	5	6
6	Huibo DONG / Yiming WU	CHN	147.75	6	5
7	Ksenia STOLBOVA / Fedor KLIMOV	RUS	137.06	7	8
8	Vanessa JAMES / Morgan CIPRES	FRA	133.31	8	7

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CH	IN	Ded. -	StN.
1	Tatiana VOLOSOZHAR / Maxim TRANKOV	RUS	130.44	64.20		66.24	8.39	8.04	8.25	8.36	8.36	0.00	#8
2	Vera BAZAROVA / Yuri LARIONOV	RUS	125.85	65.34		60.51	7.64	7.43	7.64	7.61	7.50	0.00	#6
3	Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD	CAN	115.56	61.35		57.21	7.32	6.96	7.11	7.25	7.11	3.00	#7
4	Amanda EVORA / Mark LADWIG	USA	111.89	54.04		58.85	7.46	7.21	7.43	7.39	7.29	1.00	#5
5	Huibo DONG / Yiming WU	CHN	98.48	53.85		45.63	6.14	5.39	5.64	5.82	5.54	1.00	#3
6	Jessica DUBE / Sebastien WOLFE	CAN	97.44	48.06		49.38	6.43	6.04	6.07	6.29	6.04	0.00	#4
7	Vanessa JAMES / Morgan CIPRES	FRA	88.45	45.75		43.70	5.71	5.21	5.43	5.57	5.39	1.00	#1
8	Ksenia STOLBOVA / Fedor KLIMOV	RUS	88.25	43.08		46.17	6.14	5.61	5.68	5.79	5.64	1.00	#2

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Trophee Eric Bompard Pairs Short Program LIVE BLOG

1) Jessica Dube & Sebastien Wolfe (CAN)
     Music: Three Hours Past Midnight

• They had a nice debut at Skate Canada, let's hope that wasn't a fluke
• I'm cheering especially hard for them because they're on my fantasy team
• I love the exposed zipper on the back of her dress and I hate his belt
• They seem to connect very well as a pair, but she is clearly the star
• Nice split twist, but only a double
• Perfect unison on the SBS triple salchows
• This loungey music seems to suit them well
• Nice position from her in the star lift
• Good height on the throw, tilted in the air, but she straightens it out on the landing
• This is shaping up to be a really solid short program from them
• I like the level changes and position variations on the pair spin
• I'd like to see more speed overall from both and more performance and expression from Sebastien
• Great program from them, they'll be happy with that overall

SP Score: 28.23 (TES) + 25.01 (PCS) = 53.24

2) Vanessa James & Morgan Cipress (FRA)
     Music: Roxane

• Hello Moulin Rouge
• Double split twist, bent legs from her
• They are really flying around quickly, but they're cutting everything off
• Unison slightly off on the SBS triple toes, a lot of snow flying
• Very rough position changes in the lift, awkward exit
• I feel like they are really rushing everything
• Hand down on the throw, that was only a double
• They have potential, quite an athletic team, but they need to calm down and skate into the music, not over it

SP Score: 21.98 (TES) + 22.88 (PCS) = 44.86

3) Huibo Dong & Yiming Wu (CHN)
     Music: The Feeling Begins

• Is it me or did they just start before the music?
• Very clean SBS triple toes
• I believe this is another Bin Yao team
• Quick split triple twist, but she lands practically on his shoulder
• Very ugly triple throw but she gets away with only a hand down, a lot of snow flying
• That lift hit some very ugly positions and lost almost all of it's speed toward the end
• They are not a bad team, but this team will never live up to the great Chines pairs
• Her whole body is practically on the ice at the end of the death spiral
• I like that intertwined leg position on the pair spin

SP Score: 27.44 (TES) + 21.83 (PCS) = 49.27

4) Meagan Duhamel & Eric Radford (CAN)
     Music: Concierto de Aranjuez

• These two are the stars of this group for sure, and medal favorites
• Amazing speed
• Wonderful split triple twist, I love that arched position she has going into it
• Solid SBS 3toes, a little unison issue on the take off
• She holds the position in the death spiral throughout
• She is so strong, all muscle, the perfect look for a pairs skater
• She shows outstanding flexibility in the pair spin, dare I say it she reminds me a bit of Aliona Savchenko
• They started out so fast, losing a bit of speed in this step sequence
• Very nice stretch in the lift, I'd like to see her point her foot harder
• Hardly any speed going into that throw, very high wrap on her free leg, but she fights to land it

SP Score: 34.06 (TES) + 27.00 (PCS) = 61.06

5) Ksenia Stolbova & Fedor Klimov (RUS)
     Music: Bolero

• Lots of Bolero this season thus far
• So much speed right off the top
• Only a split double twist
• Huge throw, she rides that edge forever!
• Perfect unison on the SBS 3Toes, as per the Russian way
• If only they would give Bazarova/Larinov some of their technical skills and get back some elegance in return
• Oh goodness, a fall on the death spiral! Did she lose her edge, or did he lose her hand?
• This choreography still looks quite Junior-ish to me
• Ended before the music; the rest of that program after the fall on the death spiral was a mess

SP Score: 25.38 (TES) + 25.43 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 48.81

6) Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig (USA)
     Music: The Man I Love

• This is a gorgeous piece that suits them so well, I could see it as a free skate too
• Really nice air position on the split triple twist, she almost stops on the landing
• Fall on the SBS triple from Amanda, the one thing that is keeping them off of podiums
• That was a gorgeous, textbook throw
• I keep saying it, they're fantastic and they have the maturity that only comes with years and years together, but if they can't hit the jumps, they won't get the recognition they deserve
• The connection between them is so real
• That lift, nobody does it better
• Fantastic position in the death spiral, she doesn't let her body position go like some other ladies do

SP Score: 29.83 (TES) + 28.86 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 57.69

7) Tatiana Volosozhar & Maxim Trankov (RUS)
     Music: Bring Me Back To Life

• You've gotta love that elaborate, chest-popping, entrance to their starting positions, at least it's in character!
• I just can't get over these two, they look like they were created to skate together
• Oh lord, she stumbles and falls exiting the split twist, he manages to pick her up right before he nearly skates over her
• Great SBS triples
• She BARELY hangs onto that throw landing, so much strength there
• I love the this step sequence
• I wouldn't mind this piece of music if it was a different arrangement that sounded less like Muzak
• Messy program, but they're fighters!

SP Score: 33.01 (TES) + 31.68 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 63.69

8) Vera Bazarova &  Yuri Larionov (RUS)
     Music: Tosca

• These two have run hot and cold since last season's Grand Prix Final
• Wow, good SBS jumps from them! Just a slight timing difference between them bu tlanded!
• Very clean catch in midair on the split twist
• They lack speed, but the body lines are where they get points
• Fall on the throw, just a really bad air position
• I think her body touched the ice when they changed the hold in the death spiral
• Beautiful lift positions individually, but some not so pretty transitions between them
• They seem rushed today
• I wish she'd be more expressive with her face, she almost looks lost
• They're lacking spark, they need a good kick in the but 

SP Score: 30.88 (TES) +29.18 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 59.06

1	Tatiana VOLOSOZHAR / Maxim TRANKOV	RUS	63.69	1
2	Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD	CAN	61.06	2
3	Vera BAZAROVA / Yuri LARIONOV	RUS	59.06	3
4	Amanda EVORA / Mark LADWIG	USA	57.69	4
5	Jessica DUBE / Sebastien WOLFE	CAN	53.24	5
6	Huibo DONG / Yiming WU	CHN	49.27	6
7	Ksenia STOLBOVA / Fedor KLIMOV	RUS	48.81	7
8	Vanessa JAMES / Morgan CIPRES	FRA	44.86	8

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CH	IN	Ded. -	StN.
1	Tatiana VOLOSOZHAR / Maxim TRANKOV	RUS	63.69	33.01		31.68	8.14	7.64	7.82	8.00	8.00	1.00	#7
2	Meagan DUHAMEL / Eric RADFORD	CAN	61.06	34.06		27.00	6.93	6.50	6.71	6.86	6.75	0.00	#4
3	Vera BAZAROVA / Yuri LARIONOV	RUS	59.06	30.88		29.18	7.46	7.11	7.29	7.36	7.25	1.00	#8
4	Amanda EVORA / Mark LADWIG	USA	57.69	29.83		28.86	7.25	6.93	7.32	7.25	7.32	1.00	#6
5	Jessica DUBE / Sebastien WOLFE	CAN	53.24	28.23		25.01	6.46	5.82	6.32	6.32	6.32	0.00	#1
6	Huibo DONG / Yiming WU	CHN	49.27	27.44		21.83	5.75	5.18	5.46	5.57	5.32	0.00	#3
7	Ksenia STOLBOVA / Fedor KLIMOV	RUS	48.81	25.38		25.43	6.54	6.21	6.25	6.43	6.36	2.00	#5
8	Vanessa JAMES / Morgan CIPRES	FRA	44.86	21.98		22.88	5.86	5.50	5.64	5.89	5.71	0.00	#2