2014 SKATE CANADA: Mens Preview

I always like Skate Canada because for some reason I feel like they consistently get the best talent. I don't see anyone running away with this mens event like Machida did at Skate America. I think we will have a cluster of 5 at the top and 4-5 in the middle.

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Javier Fernandez (ESP)
Silver: Takahito Mura (JPN)
Bronze: Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)

Javier Fernandez (ESP) has been hyped up for the past two years, but hasn't actually lived up to the hype for most of that time. He's the Gracie Gold of mens skating if Gracie had two world medals. He's a jumper and he performs like Elvis Stojko. Brian Orser needs him to step up this season in the depleted post-Sochi field. He hasn't competed a major international since Worlds so he may have to kick the dust off the tires a bit. The mixture of the tacky as hell Black Betty and highbrow "Barber of Seville" sum up Javier perfectly.

Takahito Mura (JPN) has suffered greatly from the depth of mens figure skaters in Japan. He won the 2014 Four Continents, won the recent International Challenge Cup and placed 2nd at the Lombardia Trophy. This is going to be his season to break out.

Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) has had an up and down go of it the past few years. The 2010 Grand Prix looked like his coming out party, but he has struggled with his jumps as of late and Yuzuru Hanyu blew by him at home. Missing the Sochi team must have shredded his confidence, but he finished a respectable 6th at the 2014 Worlds and will look to reestablish himself this season. I think he could've benefitted from performing a senior B event.

The Rest of the Field:
Elladj Balde (CAN)-11th at 2014 Four Continents, 18th at 2014 Worlds, 5th at 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy
Liam Firus (CAN)-28th at 2014 Olympics, 9th at 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy
Kevin Reynolds (CAN)-15th at 2014 Olympics, 11th at 2014 Worlds, 6th at 2014 Autumn Classic
Michal Brezina (CZE)-4th at 2014 Europeans, 10th at 2014 Olympics, 2nd at 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy
Florent Amodio (FRA)-13th at 2014 Europeans, 18th at 2014 Olympics, 7th at 2014 Lombardia Trophy
Konstantin Menshov (RUS)-3rd at 2014 Europeans, 3rd at 2014, Nebelhorn Trophy
Max Aaron (USA)-8th at 2014 Worlds, 1st at 2014 US International Classic
Stephen Carriere (USA)-1st at 2014 O. Nepela
Adam Rippon (USA)-8th at 2014 Four Continents, 2nd at 2014 Finlandia Trophy

2013 Skate America: Men's Short Program Recap

I'm happy to admit when I'm wrong, but I thought Tatsuki Machida (JPN) was a fluke last season, but I just look stupid now. His East of Eden short, while on my list of banned music, was exactly what you want in a short program. It was clean. In this field, a clean program won the day. That Quad Toe/Triple Toe didn't hurt either. He didn't blow me away with the performance, but he was calm, calculated, and strong. He leads after the short. Short Program Total: 91.18

The biggest surprise thus far is Jason Brown (USA) in 2nd. We knew he was good, but it's never wise to expect such a strong Senior GP debut and Jason blew us away. He is an artist and channeling Prince could be risky, but he made it work. We wish him luck in the long and hope he maintains his hold on that podium spot. Short Program Total: 83.78

How great was it to see Adam Rippon (USA) looking like himself. Perhaps the last in a long string of coaching changes finally did the trick. The Quad Lutz happened-it wasn't perfect-but it happened and that's a start to a good season that for his sake, we hope ends with a trip to Sochi. He laid the ground work for that tonight.Short Program Total: 80.26

Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) also made a nice statement after a rough 2012-2013 season. We are loving his jazzy side. Nothing about it was phenomenal, but it was a nice building block for an Olympic season. It's good to see him stay on his feet. Short Program Total: 77.75

Daisuke Takahashi (JPN), sad as it is to say, looks old. His body is failing him and those jumps just aren't happening. He makes a great case for solo ice dance because he moves on the ice better than anyone I've ever seen. One of his hip circles is worth all of Patrick Chan's PCS for the season. We hope his artistry can boost his overall total in the free. Short Program Total: 77.09

Max Aaron (USA) was certainly a disappointment for the home crowd that had such high hopes. His style has improved, but he is known as a technician and when you can't land your bread and butter jump, what is left? He best figure it out quickly or US Figure Skating will think of him as yesterday's news. Short Program Total: 75.91

Alexander Majorov (SWE) is very vanilla to me. There isn't much that stands out to me about him: no crazy hair, no garish costumes, no ugly gloves, no obvious gay vibe, nothing unique. He is just kind of there. He's a nice skater, but he needs to develop an identity if he wants to stand out. Short Program Total: 74.97

Artur Gachinski (RUS) is probably one more botched Quad away from oblivion. Mishin can't have that much more tolerance for somebody who can't land jumps. If you can't jump, Lord knows you can't move in a way that doesn't look like a shopping cart, what can you do to earn points? The answer is...not much. Short Program Total: 37.24

2013 Skate America: Mens Preview

I'll preface by saying that there are no clear cut favorites in this Men's Event so my predictions are merely an educated guess. That being said, I'm THRILLED that figure skating season is back (especially in this Olympic year) and I am happy to get back to covering this gorgeous and dramatic sport with my skating family. Since the Men kick off Skate America with their Short Program Friday 10/18 at 7:00 pm EST, let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. They finish up Saturday at 7 with their free skate.

I have to go with a little combination of my gut and my heart here. Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) will win this event. He is in the twilight of his career, and his body isn't what it used to be, but his artistry will carry him through this final Olympic season. His Lennon & McCartney free skate will showcase his showmanship and allow him to wrap the audience around his little finger as he always does. He only placed 6th at the 2013 Worlds, but I think he has the grit and the drive to go out with a bang this season. This event was a lucky draw for him in that he won't have to face Chan or Fernandez here in Detroit.

Max Aaron (USA) is the reigning US Champion and finished just behind Takahashi at the 2013 Worlds. While Takahashi is finishing a stellar career, Aaron is just beginning. He is poised to make a splash on his first senior Grand Prix circuit, and he will have the advantage of the home crowd. His technique is phenomenal and he is making leaps and bounds as a performer, though that will never be his strength. He will channel a younger Takahashi in his Historia de un Amor short and almost every other skater in the world with his Carmen free. I've been hearing good things about it, but I purposely am not watching any programs because I want to be surprised at the GP events. I think that great technical abilities and some home cooking will help him earn a medal in Detroit.

Denis Ten (KAZ) was the surprise of the 2013 Worlds. He has always been a talented but streaky skater, and he finally put it all together last March to earn a Silver at Worlds. Many even believed he deserved to beat a flawed Chan. This season will really tell the tale: is he still a streaky skater who will struggle with the mental aspect of the sport, or will he finally hold it together for a full season and prove that he belongs at the top of the sport? I think that his new International success will help improve his PCS scores, but that can only happen if he holds it together with the jumps. I think he'll make mistakes, but do enough to take a podium spot here in Detroit.



Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) is facing probably the biggest season of his life. He is still young enough to

keep competing for several years, but he is at a crossroads in his career. He shows such promise early in this Olympic cycle, earning a World medal in 2011, but he has been sliding since then. He once had such clean technique, but he looks to be lacking confidence in his jumps and he lacks the showmanship of Takahashi and some of the other top men. If he can stay consistent, he will make Japan's Olympic team, but in such a competitive country, he won't make it to Sochi if he starts faltering early on.

Adam Rippon (USA) is one of our all time favorites, but this is a crucial year for him as well. After the 2010 Olympics, he seemed poised to take over the role of top male in the US, but that hasn't happened yet. He has made the coaching changes and every year we feel like this is the year for him, but something else happens that keeps him from taking that step forward. He earns the PCS for his artistry and his smooth lines, but he needs that quad. Let's stop talking about the quad and just do the quad, well that and the triple axel too. He is a very heady skater, so if he doesn't show well here at Skate America, that could be the season for him. If he does do well (and we are pulling for him) that could be just the confidence boost that he needs to ace the Grand Prix and earn a spot to Sochi.

I have to talk about Jason Brown (USA) because I love him and that's all there is to it. He, in my

opinion, is the future of US Men's figure skating because he really has it all, plus he isn't afraid to go all out and try new things, something we've been lacking in recent years. His new River Dance free is supposedly spectacular, but as I said above, I have been making myself wait until this weekend to watch them. Nobody is expecting him to medal, this is his first senior GP event, but because he has no pressure, watch out for him because he just could earn a medal if the favorites flame out

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
Silver: Max Aaron (USA)
Bronze: Denis Ten (KAZ)

The Rest of the Field:
Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
Artur Gachinski (RUS)
Alexander Majorov (SWE)
Jason Brown (USA)
Adam Rippon (USA)

2012 Grand Prix Final: Mens Preview

Patrick Chan (CAN) has not had the banner season he had last year, but he tends to peak later in the season so it's not outlandish to bet on him here. I actually really like his programs this season  because he's making a genuine attempt to be artistic. Robo-Chan is gone...now if we could only get rid of those Dance Team Hands.

Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN) is such a little nugget. I just love him but he genuinely upsets me too. He could beat the pants off of Chan if he ever held it together for a whole event. He could take this whole thing and the World title if he can do his programs up to par. He has all the goods if he could just put together all the parts.

My love Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) can never disappoint me, regardless of what he does. He can go out and fall seven times and still give the performance of a lifetime. His programs are so-so this year, but I keep telling myself that he is saving the best ones for 2014. He has held his own this season, but what I'm really afraid of is the chance that the younger Japanese guys could pass him by next season. That is a legitimate possibility but let's pray it doesn't come to fruition.

Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) is making a comeback and we are thrilled for him. He had a messy 2011-2012 and he's coming back with a vengeance. I won't say he's reinventing himself-he still has that grace and elegance he's known for-but now that he's experienced defeat, I think he's stronger because of it.

Javier Fernandez (ESP) is an anomaly. He can be amazing or disastrous. His Charlie Chaplin program is a gem when all of the pieces are working together. When the jumps go, the character goes, and the rest is downhill from there.

Tatsuki Machida (JPN) is this year's Christina Gao on the men's side. Who on earth expected him to make the GPF? I certainly didn't! He is interesting-he doesn't thrill me, but he is pretty consistant and these days, that's huge.

Podium Predictions:
1) Patrick Chan (CAN)
2) Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN)
3) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)

Rostelecom Cup: Mens Preview

Can P-Chiddy-Chan bounce back from the upset of Silver at Skate Canada? Are Kozuka and Oda really back or were the medals at Skate America and Skate Canada just a fluke? What on earth will Johnny Weir look like in a legitimate competition? Is Brezina over, or will he get it in gear? And what on earth is up with Artur Gachinski? There are so many questions surrounding this event, so let's get started!

Here is the event schedule. http://backstagebarbie.blogspot.com/2012/10/2012-grand-prix-of-figure-skating.html I'll be covering the ladies short on Friday morning and all of the free skates on Saturday.

How do we feel about this season's programs from Patrick Chan (CAN)? I mean, it's great that he decided to grace us with two new ones. I am sensing more actual expression from him, particularly in the free, but the execution was a little bit of a hot mess at Skate Canada. Even home cooking couldn't put him atop the podium, so he'll need to up the ante in Russia, which I suspect he'll do. For all I complain about him, I really do appreciate the attempt to create a sense of artistry that is not so manufactured this season.

Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) surprised us all by coming back from a disastrous (by his standards) 2011-2012 season to win Skate America. We love his programs this year and wish him the best in Mother Russia.

Nobunari Oda (JPN) is another curious case. It seemed last season that he was phasing out, but he came back and won a bronze at Skate Canada. He is one of those skaters that is more likely to do well now that later in the season as it will take a killer set of programs at Nationals to make the World team with the success of Takahashi, Kozuka, Machida, and Hanyu this season.

Oh lord, who is ready for Johnny Weir (USA) to come back? Wherever he goes, drama ensues. Whether this comeback is for real and he actually makes it to Sochi or not, he has a huge fanbase and it's good for the sport. We all know that he doesn't play by IJS rules and he skates the way he wants to, so I'm not expecting much out of him at this competition. We don't know what his technical elements will look like and how well his program will fit the code of points, but regardless, I love him and I'm so happy he's coming back!

My Podium Predictions:
Gold: Patrick Chan
Silver: Takahiko Kozuka
Bronze: Nobunari Oda

The Rest of the Field:
Michal Brezina (CZE)
Denis Ten (KAZ)
Zhan Bush (RUS)
Artur Gachinski (RUS)
Konstantin Menshov (RUS)
Richard Dornbush (USA)

Skate America: Mens Preview

Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN) is the lovechild of Daisuke Takahashi & Johnny Weir and this is going to be his breakout season. He is really the only person on the scene who has the big technical elements and actual unique artistry. I hope he sweeps every event this year.

Jeremy Abbott (USA) is one of my great loves of figure skating but he makes me too nervous when he competes. I want so badly for him not to be scared anymore and to light it up on the ice. He should do us all a favor and let his inner diva shine because that Patrick Chan-esque attempt at keeping all the emotion inside ain't working for me.

I had such high hopes for Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) after his World medal in 2011. His confidence took a nosedive last season, but maybe now that Hanyu is coming into his own as on one of the favorites, maybe Taka won't feel so much pressure. I love his clean style and I hope he makes a comeback.

Michal Brezina (CZE) is an oddball whom I've never particularly enjoyed. I'm sure he is a lovely young man, but I don't particularly enjoy his skating. He always looks rushed and never finishes his movements. I'd like to see some attempt at style before I give him my "Barbie Seal of Approval."

Douglas Razzano (USA) could be the surprise medalist of the bunch. He is a beautiful lyrical skater who also has a good quad. If he does his best, I sincerely believe he will be on the podium. I believe that he has a beautiful spirit and I am pulling for him to have a breakout season.

Podium Predictions:
Gold: Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN)
Silver: Jeremy Abbott (USA)
Bronze: Douglas Razzano (USA)

The Rest of the Field:
Tomas Verner (CZE)
Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
Konstantin Menshov (RUS)
Alexander Majorov (SWE)
Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)

2012 World Figure Skating Championships: Men's Preview

With the recent dominance of Patrick Chan, this event is seemingly the easiest to predict, but it wouldn't be the wonderful world of figure skating if things were predictable. The men skate their short Friday March 29th at 7:30 am and their free Saturday March 30th at 7:55 am EST.

Podium Predictions
1) Patrick Chan (CAN)
2) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
3) Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN)


The Top Contenders


Patrick Chan (CAN) has been dominant for the past two seasons and he seems poised to take a 2nd consecutive World title. It would take an epic meltdown for him to lose his title.

Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) is a sentimental favorite and a true artist, but I think his best years may be behind him. Even with his beautiful dance quality, he had no hope of beating Chan unless he can put multiple Quads into his programs. He does, however, have a fantastic shot at the podium if he's clean.

Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN) has only an outside chance at the podium but for some reason I think he'll do it. He's streaky, but has beautiful jumps and a Quad when he's on. The Johnny Weir fan in me loves his artistry and wants him to do well. I think he's the Japanese hope of the future and has a great shot looking toward Sochi.

Jeremy Abbott (USA) has had a tumultuous career and this may just be his year to strike it big at Worlds. He has fantastic programs, a great Quad, and the new found confidence that he can beat Chan. If he adds the Quad to the short and the combo into the long, he could be in the running for Silver, but will need Chan to make mistakes if he wants Gold.

Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) is one of my favorites and he's the reigning World Silver medalist, but he's in a bit of a funk this year. He did win a Silver at NHK Trophy, but he didn't attend Four Continents so we haven't seen him in a while. If he brings his best stuff he could easily medal again, but he can't be timid as he's been all season.

In The Hunt


Artur Gachinski (RUS) is the reigning World Bronze medalist. He started out rough on the Grand Prix but he peaks late in the season as shown by his Silver medal at Europeans. It would've been Gold if Plushenko weren't there. He comes in as the best from Europe and that will carry some weight with the judges. I like this kid if he could just attempt to work at some artistry.

Javier Fernandez (ESP) was the surprise of the Grand Prix season and won Bronze at the final. Many expected him to win Europeans, but he only placed sixth. It seems when he hits the Quads, the triples fail him. If he could get it together and present the full package, he's a medal threat.


Adam Rippon (USA) is my favorite skater on the scene these days. I think he is about a year or two away from really peaking, but when he does, watch out World. Good news, that is right around the time of the Sochi Olympics. He is a gorgeous performer and once he gets that Quad Lutz (he's so close) he'll be dynamite. He finished fifth at his first senior Worlds in 2010 so if he could get back to that place, it would be a huge step in the right direction.


Florent Amodio (FRA) is fun to watch, but in my opinion, his brand of theatrics has no place in competition. His programs were not well received on the Grand Prix, but he did indeed pull a Bronze at Europeans so he's automatically in the medal picture.

Brian Joubert (FRA) is a great veteran and will be a sentimental favorite at home to take home another medal. He has been streaky his whole career and I think he's on the decline. Eighth at Europeans is not how you want to head into Worlds.

Michal Brezina (CZE) is all over the place but he usually peaks at Worlds. He does nothing for me personally, but with two Quads, he's immediately in the medal mix if he lands them. With two straight fourth places finishes, is he ready to medal at Worlds?

Tomas Verner (CZE) was a medal threat last season but he really fell off this year. He is a charming performer and I always enjoy watching him but he may not have the goods to compete at the top anymore.

Nan Song (CHN) emerged on the Grand Prix as a solid Quad jumper and picked up some medals to boot. He has little to no artistry, but he does try very hard. He had an unfortunate Four Continents, nearly passing out due to lack of oxygen, so let's hope he's better trained for this event and can shake off his last competition.

Kevin Reynolds (CAN) is a jumping machine with more Quads planned than anybody. If he can land them all fully rotated, he'll probably be in the top group but if not, well that's a different story and he's immediately out of the picture.

Kevin Van Der Perren (BEL) is in his final season on the way to a much deserved retirement. If he can hit, his technical content can get him huge points. I'd love to see him go all out and give us a great show. I'd be thrilled if he could place top-ten in his final Worlds.


The Rest Of The Field


Slavik Hayrapetyan (ARM)
Brendan Kerry (AUS)
Viktor Pfeifer (AUT)
Vitali Luchanok (BLR)
Damjan Ostojic (BIH)
Kevin Alves (BRA)
Manol Atanassov (BUL)
Jordan Ju (TPE)
Justus Strid (DEN)
Ari-Pekka Nurmenkari (FIN)
Peter Liebers (GER)
Luke Chilcott (GBR)
Harry Hau Yin Lee (HKG)
Marton Marko (HUN)
Alexei Bychenko (ISR)
Samuel Contesti (ITA)
Denis Ten (KAZ)
Saulius Ambrulevicius (LTU)
Kim Lucine (MON)
Christopher Caluza (PHI)
Maciej Cieplucha (POL)
Min-Seok Kim (KOR)
Zoltan Kelemen (ROU)
Sergei Voronov (RUS)
Taras Rajec (SVK)
Javier Raya (ESP)
Laurent Alvarez (SUI)
Ali Demirboga (TUR)
Dmitri Ignatenko (UKR)
Misha Ge (UZB)

Johnny Weir: Why his return will benefit Figure Skating

From what I've been reading on twitter and the blogosphere, most people are thrilled about the return of 3-time US Champion and World Medalist Johnny Weir to competitive figure skating. But there are also some naysayers, which is to be expected when dealing with such a polarizing figure as Johnny Weir.

Here are some of the top reasons why I'm excited about his return:

• He causes buzz: As soon as he announced his return, it caused excitement, not only among skating fans, but everywhere. Johnny is outspoken and overall he is just a great character. He emerged as one of the biggest stars of the 2010 Olympics. Average Joes who know nothing about figure skating know him. They probably wouldn't know Patrick Chan from Takahiko Kozuka, but they know Johnny. People relate to him because he is himself!
• He'll draw viewers for Nationals: You can look at Johnny's announcement the week before Nationals as tacky and an attempt to draw attention away from the skaters competing at Nationals, but I think it's actually the opposite. There are a lot of "Johnny fans" who have lapsed as figure skating fans since he stopped competing. Since he is calling the men's event in San Jose next week and he'll surely be a talked about character, he'll certainly draw viewers to Nationals that wouldn't watch otherwise.
• He is supremely talented: I have heard experts say time and time again that Johnny is one of the best natural talents the sport has ever seen. Most skaters start before the age of 5, but Johnny started at age 11 or 12 and everything came naturally. What is often in question is his work ethic and his competitive fire. Those are two things he'll have to address if he wants to come back and be competitive with the best in the World.
• He had the technical content to win in Vancouver: Many think that Johnny's 2012 programs were watered down technically, but he performed nearly identical elements to Evan Lysacek, he just didn't get the levels or the GOEs that Evan got. And that is mostly because Johnny is an individual and wants to perform programs the way HE wants, no the way the ISU wants him to. I hate to say it, but under the International Judging System, individuality is cursed, so Johnny will really have to conform to the code of points if he wants to get the best results in competition. Here are the protocols from the Men's free skate in Vancouver, if you don't believe me, look at it for yourself. The base value of Johnny's elements was only 1.72 below that of Evan Lysacek.
• http://www.isuresults.com/results/owg2010/owg10_Men_FS_Scores.pdf

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: NHK Trophy Mens Free Skate Commentary

1) Tomas Verner (CZE)                              
     Music: Sing Sing Sing, La Vie En Rose

• He is looking like a totally different skater out there today
• When he is on, he reminds me so much if Ilia Kulike
• I like this program on him a lot, it reminds me of his Singin in the Rain
• That was a horrifying fall on the triple axel, landing in a split position
• I'm surprised he can continue after that fall
• I'm not surprised he doubled his triple axel
• Oh wow we're taking the suspenders down for the footwork
• Oh no, another footwork fall
• What a shame because it was a great 1st half of the program
• This will be a hit by Europeans and Worlds if he can clean it up

FS Score: 63.89 (TES) + 71.78 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 133.67
Total Score: 62.96 (SP) + 133.67 (FS) =196.63

2) Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)
     Music: Kill Bill

• Good glide out of the triple lutz
• Nice glide out of the triple axel into steps
• I like this music a lot, I can see it being a hit by Nationals
• He does a good job of using his whole body in the footwork
• I like the intensity and variation in the music, but his performance is lacking spark
• He needs to find a way of connecting with the music
• Straighten your leg and point your foot in the sit position please
• Unfortunate fall halfway through, and he was going so strong!
• Still needs work, but a huge improvement from Skate America!

FS Score: 61.12 (TES) + 61.94 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 122.06
Total Score: 63.52 (SP) + 122.06 (FS) = 185.58

3) Samuel Contesti (ITA)
     Music: La Vie En Rose, Ca Gaze

• This was a great program at Skate America
• He is such a tall skater that it's hard for him to not look hunched when he tries to get deep into the ice
• Really high triple axel
• Suspenders are the accessory of the season
• He uses his performance skills to his advantage by always doing character programs
• Both of these pieces of music work together so well
• He has such a love for the sport and that shows out on the ice
• Not too many other people make their 3axel their 3-jump combination
• He's really playing to the crowd in this step sequence
• He's a little stiff in his upper body, I'd like to see him relax there a bit
• He music really speeds up at the end, but unfortunately his final spin can't match the speed

FS Score: 74.52 (TES) + 71.34 (PCS) = 145.86
Total Score: 63.83 (SP) + 145.86 (FS) = 209.69

4) Ross Miner (USA)
     Music: The Untouchables

• This was a strong skate at Skate Canada
• His hair looks a little messy today
• He has great body lines
• Beautiful triple axel into a pirouetting move
• Another nice triple axel
• I love that he becomes a character in this story
• Step out of the triple lutz, a little too much speed going in
• I love the headless variation of the scratch spin
• He is carrying a ton of speed
• He looks a little stiff on his jump landings
• I'd love to see deeper knees in his landings
• This is a very complete program, very majestic
• Very nice outing for him
• He fought for a few landings, but that builds character
• He's quite happy with this skate!

FS Score: 74.22 (TES) + 67.02 (PCS) = 141.24
Total Score: 71.12 (SP) + 141.24 (FS) = 212.36

5) Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
     Music: Don Quixote

• He is so small and sprightly!
• He SAVED that jump!
• He's a very  nice skater with great expression
• Pops the axel
• The jumps aren't all there and most will probably receive negative GOE's but that doesnt detract from the fact that this is a nice program
• He could use a lot more speed in this step sequence
• Nice ending pose

FS Score: 54.57 (TES) + 68.62 (PCS) = 123.19
Total Score: 72.26 (SP) + 123.19 (FS) = 195.45

6) Konstantin Menshov (RUS)
     Music: The Race, Kill Bill

• This is interesting sound design to say the least
• His jumps are huge, but really ugly in the air
• This program is so Russian
• Hard fall to the hip, slid off the landing edge
• Another hard fall to the hip
• These jumps are so big he can't maintain control
• He has not 1 ounce of expression on his face
• Very slow spins 
• That flexed foot is so ugly
• Well this is a string of huge jumps and that's about it

FS Score: 58.57 (TES) + 64.64 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 121.21
Total Score: 74.67 (SP) + 121.21 (FS) = 195.88

7) Brandon Mroz (USA)
     Music: Carmen

• Very tilted in the air on the Quad Lutz, falls
• Hand down on the triple axel
• I hate to say it, but jumps are all he has
• He can't fall back on PCS when he misses jumps
• He needs to point the feet on the sit spin
• He has no expression on his face
• His disappointment over the jumps is ruining this program
• Singles the axel, this program is really going nowhere fast
• If you're using overdone music you need to make it fresh, and this is not
• Another popped axel
• Has all the focus on the Quad lutz distracted him from the rest of his skating?
• Yet another popped jump, this is painful to watch, I feel for him
• I'd love to know how coaches inspire their athletes after meltdowns like that

FS Score: 45.44 (TES) + 65.56 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 110.00
Total Score: 74.83 (SP) + 110.00 (FS) = 184.83

8) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
     Music: The Valley of the Wind

• I love that back pat that Sato gives Taka
• I'd love to see him in a more modern costume
• His expression has improved so much this season
• Two-foots the Quad Toe
• Good triple axel on a really deep leg
• His improvement from Skate America to NHK is amazing!
• This home crowd has really helped him to regain his confidence
• That was a gigantic triple axel! 3-jump combo
• I really like this choreography
• Ends a little before the music
• It wasn't perfect, but it was such an improvement

FS Score: 76.67 (TES) + 78.56 (PCS) = 155.25
Total Score: 79.77 (SP) + 155.25 (FS) = 235.02

9) Daisuke Takahshi (JPN)
     Music: Blues for Klook

• Goes for the Quad Flip, falls
• Amazing triple axel
• I don't love all of his spin positions
• All of his "in betweens" are the highlights of his programs
• If there was ever a case for solo ice dance, it's Takahashi
• His jumps are always a little questionable, but he's solid today
• He just has the crowd in the palm of his hand
• If he didn't have to do jumps and could just get credit for like 10 step sequences it would be a dream come true
• He is overcome with the emotion of this crowd

FS Score: 80.04 (TES) + 90.28 (PCS)  -1.00 (DED) = 169.32
Total Score: 90.43 (SP) + 169.32 (FS) = 259.75

Skaters to Watch: NHK Trophy Edition

Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)-2011 Skate Canada Free Skate





Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)-2011 Worlds Free Skate





Brandon Mroz (USA)-2011 Colorado Springs Invitational Quad Lutz





Mao Asada (JPN)-2011 Four Continents Free Skate





Akiko Suzuki (JPN)-2011 Skate Canada Free Skate





Ashley Wagner (USA)-2011 Skate Canada Free Skate





Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy (GER)-2011 Skate America Free Skate





Yuko Kavaguti & Alexander Smirnov (RUS)-2011 Cup of China Free Skate





Kaitlyn Weaver & Andrew Poje (CAN)-2011 Skate Canada Short Dance





Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibutani (USA)-2011 Cup of China Free Dance





Elena Ilinykh & Nikita Katsalapov (RUS)-2011 Worlds Short Dance

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: NHK Trophy Men's Short Program Commentary

1) Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)
    Music: Kashmir

• I'm praying for a much improved skate for him over what he did at Skate America
• Very aggressive start to the program
• Triple axel looked great in the air, landed it a little low and had to step out
• I like his donut spin, but the hand movements are a bit excessive for my taste
• That split jump really needs much more height and stretch if he is going to do it
• He is looking a little flaily and wild in this footwork
• He seems unsettled on the ice this season whereas last year he looked so calm and polished

SP Score: 33.60 (TES) + 29.92 (PCS) = 63.52

2) Konstantin Menshov (RUS)
     Music: Dead Silence, Worms Lounge, Worms in Black

• Well that was a gigantic triple axel, and the height and speed were Plushenko-esque
• He is cat-like in his ability to find his feet on jumps that look atrocious in the air, Plushenko and Gachinski have the same gift
• I have no idea what this crazy music is
• That ugly flexed foot in the sit spin is driving me crazy, on all the spins for that matter
• That was a very abrupt ending
• What is with the fetus on his costume?

SP Score: 42.24 (TES) + 32.43 (PCS) = 74.67

3) Ross Miner (JPN)
     Music: Para Ti

• I love the opening of this program, it's very dancey
• Huge knee bend into that triple axel, very clean jump
• Triple lutz-triple toe, slightly stifle on the landings
• I love that change of edge spread eagle, goes well on the music
• Really fought to land the triple flip, the kid is indeed a fighter
• He looks a little rushed out there today, nothing is flowing as smoothly as it usually does for him
• A little frantic in places, but a solid program for Ross

SP Score: 38.87 (TES) + 32.25 (PCS) = 71.12

4) Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
     Music: Dark Eyes

• Though very popular for women, this is a different music choice for a man
• That design work on the right hip and thigh is a very bold choice for a man, but I appreciate that he is going to that place
• I like him a lot, he is an elegant sort of skater
• I'm not sure how young he is, but he reminds me of a less experienced, less polished Kozuka
• Great jumping passes, and then a stumble going into the spin, he clearly caught an edge and will lose credit for the spin, quite a shame
• He is really attacking this footwork with a great flair, I appreciate the effort

SP Score: 38.73 (TES) + 34.53 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 72.26

5) Brandon Mroz (USA)
     Music: Mack the Knife

• Brandon's attempts at artistry unfortunately look the same in about every program
• Long entry into that 4lutz but what a great moment to land it in an official ISU competition
• Really fast rotation on the triple axel, very deep landing
• His spins look very elementary and they lack speed
• I don't know what it is about Tom Zakrajsek's students, but they are almost all quite slow on the ice
• Though I wouldn't call it by artistic by any stretch of the imagination, this program does suit him better than I've seen in the past of his programs
• For a jumper, his axel and combination were a little messy, which could be a side effect of focusing so much on the 4lz

SP Score: 40.76 (TES) + 34.07 (PCS) = 74.83

6) Tomas Verner (CZE)
     Music: Carmina Burana

• I love Tomas, but he is such an up and down skater it's hard to really invest in him
• This is one of my favorite pieces of music, I had the pleasure of singing it with a professional choir once
• Hand down on the 1st jump, looked unsteady over his legs
• Wild swing out of the tirple axel
• Traveled a few feet on the combination spin and couldn't hold on, had to bail early
• Now we're getting into a techno version of the music, it's very strange
• 3-2 combination, I expect it was to be a 3-3
• He looks very unsettled out there, his legs look very shaky
• This footwork is very slow, on wow he just face plants in the step sequence, got way to far over on the edge

SP Score: 29.10 (TES) + 34.86 (PCS) 1.00 (DED) = 62.96

7) Samuel Contesti (ITA)
     Music: Hungarian March, 1812 Overture

• In it's second season now, this program is really wearing on me
• I love him as a performer, but whole "miming the conductor" thing reminds me of Ryan Bradley's 2009-2011 Free Skate which I hated
• Steps out on the combination and the triple axel, he like Verner looks shaky on his legs
• He is such a tall skater that I presume it's much harder for him to rotate his jumps cleanly
• He performs it well, but this just isn't a world class short program, if he changed it before Europeans & Worlds he may show much better

SP Score: 30.22 (TES) + 34.61 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 63.83

8) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
     Music: Inner Urge

• Taka gets a little back pat from Sato, so cute!
• If anybody watches gymnastics, Taka reminds me a little of World Champion Kohei Uchimura
• He looks so much better prepared and much more confident here that at Skate America
• I never really took notice, but Taka is a very fast skater
• I didn't like this program at Skate America but I think it suits him really well now and is bringing out a new side of him as a performer
• That death drop into the sit spin is one of the best in the business
• I really love this footwork sequence, it is so quick and fits the musical nuances well
• I hope he can make it to the Grand Prix Final as I look forward to seeing this great program again

SP Score: 40.88 (TES) + 38.89 (PCS) = 79.77

9) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
      Music: In the Garden of Souls

• Here comes the headliner, a huge celebrity in Japan
• The crowd is going crazy!
• Such an artist, he has more emotion in one hand gesture than many skaters have in their whole program
• Very good lift on that 3-3 combination, very quick rotation
• This choreography is to die for, just exquisite
• I love his bluesy free, but this would be good short program music as well
• I love that donut position, very nice flexibility in the back
• I love that this crowd recognizes his artistry and cheers for the great moments in the choreography, not just the jumps
• The one flaw I saw was a slight bend at the knee in the sit spin
• The turn out of his free leg in the spins is to die, kudos to Lambiel who revamped his spinning technique

SP Score: 46.14 (TES) + 44.29 (PCS) = 90.43

2011 NHK Trophy: Men's Preview

This is always a great event, simply because Japan has great men's talent, never mind the rest of the field. The men's competition is the headlining event in Japan, which is unfortunately the middle of the night here in the US. We'll see the short program Saturday November 12th at 2:30 a.m. EST and the free skate at 10:55 p.m. EST the same day.

Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) is the reigning champion in this event and has quite a good chance of repeating. Both of his programs are stylish and innovative, specifically his bluesy free skate. His TES & PCS in both programs from Skate Canada this year outscore those of his biggest competitor Takahiko Kozuka (JPN) from Skate America. Neither man put together two clean programs in his first Grand Prix, but Takahashi's programs seem to have more potential, especially in program components. Brandon Mroz (USA) can be a podium threat if he lands his now famous Quad Lutz cleanly. He is a strong jumper and needs to pull really high GOE marks to make up for the higher PCS marks some of the other competitors will pull in. His personal best score came last season in his first Grand Prix, so he has a good shot at debuting strong again this season. Tomas Verner (CZE) was all over the place last season, from exquisitely entertaining to downright sloppy.  If we get "Good Tomas" he is almost guaranteed the podium, but if not, he could finished near the bottom. Ross Miner (USA) is a fighter and after finishing 9/10 in the short program at Skate Canada, he came back with a strong 5th in the free skate. He has a lovely long program this season and though he does not have a Quad, he almost always receives positive GOEs on his triples as well as level 4 spins. Tatsuki Machida (JPN), Konstantin Menshov (RUS), Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA), Samuel Contesti (ITA) were all up and down last season and each has podium potential if they can skate both programs to the best of their ability and hope for mistakes from the top contenders. We'll call this "pulling a Van Der Perren" in reference to his surprise silver at Skate America this season.

My Podium Predictions:
1) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
2) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
3) Brandon Mroz (USA)


Competitive History: 


Samuel Contesti (ITA)-3rd 2011 O Nepela, 18th 2011 Worlds, 6th 2011 Europeans, 1st 2011 Mont Blanc Trophy, 4th 2010 NRW Trophy, 4th 2010 Cup of Russia, 4th 2010 Cup of China, 3rd 2010 Finlandia Trophy; PB: 226.97 at 2009 Worlds


Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)-3rd at 2011 Skate America, 2nd 2011 Worlds, 4th 2011 Four Continents, 3rd 2010 Grand Prix Final, 1st 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st 2010 Cup of China; PB: 258.41 at 2011 Worlds


Tatsuki Machida (JPN)-1st 2011 Triglav Trophy, 4th 2011 Asian Winter Games, 11th 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 5th 2010 Cup of China, 1st 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 217.48 at 2010 Four Continents

Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)-10th at 2011 Skate America, 7th 2011 Four Continents, 3rd 2010 Skate America, 4th Nebelhorn Trophy; 211.17 at 2010 Skate America


Konstantin Menshov (RUS)-7th 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 7th 2011 Europeans, 10th 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 2nd 2010 Coup de Nice, 6th 2010 Finlandia Trophy, 2nd 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 202.62 at 2011 Europeans

Ross Miner (USA)-6th at 2011 Skate Canada, 11th at 2011 Worlds, 7th at 2010 Cup of China, 9th at 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 217.93 at 2011 Worlds

Brandon Mroz (USA)-3rd 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 2nd 2010 Cup of China; PB: 216.80 at 2010 Cup of China


Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)-3rd at 2011 Skate Canada, 5th at 2011 Worlds, 1st at 2011 Four Continents, 4th at 2010 Grand Prix Final, 1st at 2010 Skate America, 1st at 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 264.41 at 2008 Four Continents


Tomas Verner (CZE)-12th 2011 Worlds, 3rd 2011 Europeans, 5th 2010 Grand Prix Final,

1st 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 3rd 2010 Cup of China; PB: 232.67 at 2008 Europeans

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Skate America Mens Free Skate [LIVE BLOG]

Here we are, our first free skate of the season! After some uncharacteristically rough free skates, some of the top skaters will be in the first group. Some nice shots of of the Ricky Dornbush fan club in the crowd. I'm loving Florent's costume! I'm just obsessed with him, I just love him to pieces! PS...can Tonia please shut her mouth already? This event is all about the deep V-neck.

1) Samuel Contesti (ITA)
     Music: La Vie En Rose

• Come on Samuel, let's see a solid program
• Looks like this will be a character piece, hello Edith Piaf
• Very nice Triple axel, great posture
• Good triple flip, he seems very settled unlike last night
• Very wild exit from that triple lutz, not sure if it's because he was close to the wall or not
• His spins are very slow compared to other top men
• I like this program, very well choreographed to the theme, I'm feeling the Parisian street performer vibe
• Huge height on that triple axel, it looked like it may may have been landed a little short
• He is so tall and has lovely posture, but I'd like to see him get deeper into his knees and use the upper body more
• He saves a lot of his jumps, including the 3-jump sequence for the second half
• Solid effort for his first major event of the season, this program will surely grow all season
• I want him to work with Lambiel on his spinning

FS Score: 68.32 (TES) + 66.36 (PCS)  = 134.68
Total Score: 55.52 (SP) + 134.68 (FS) = 190.20

2) Douglass Razzano (USA)
     Music: Adios Noninos, Oblivion, Obertura

• This was a great free skate for him at Finlandia Tropy
• Huge triple axel with great flow out of it, that's what I like to see
• He seems much more invested in the performance today than last night
• Second triple axel, a bit tilted in the air but landed well, tacks on a 2T
• He is a very nice spinner, his positions are not only intricate, but beautiful
• I love the low sit and twist variations
• He uses his upper body and his head quite well
• He is rapidly losing speed through this step sequence, that will be an improvement he can make going toward Nationals
• No triple-triples so far, perhaps later in the program?
• This is a very well choreographed piece, none of the elements stick out, they just grow from the program
• I love this music, even though we've heard it a thousand times
• He should be happy with this clean free skate; it's a good piece for him because it's already good but it has a lot of room to grow
• He is a rather reserved kind of guy, but I can tell he's pleased

FS Score: 69.84 (TES) + 62.42 (PCS) = 132.26
Total Score: 60.69 (SP) + 132.26 (FS) = 192.95

3) Florent Amodio (FRA)
     Music: Besame Mucho, Mambo No. 5, Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White

• This is certain to be a wild program
• Triple salchow, it was planned to be a Quad
• He rotates very fast on that 3A
• Big death drop, but loses a lot of speed on the sit spin
• Do these syllables count as lyrics?
• And now I'm watching the 2nd half of the program on NBC, with the Scott Hamilton commentary
• Florent Amodio basically just directed the audience to clap along with him in the footwork
• He is really running out of gas; the program is so fast paced and it has to be a struggle early in the season to carry through

FS Score: 56.86 (TES) + 68.28 (PCS) - (DED) = 125.14
Total Score: 62.46 (SP) + 125.14 (FS) = 187.60

4) Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)
     Music: Kill Bill

• Quad toe was short on the landing and he takes a fall
• Nice triple axel, with a double toe
• He looks tentative, I want him to really go after it
• Popped his triple lutz
• Armin you are no good for my fantasy team right now
• I like this music, but it requires more aggression and he seems like he can't get his feet under him
• Fall on triple axel, super tilted in the air
• Hand down, he just does not seem like himself today at all
• Another fallout, this is a Johnny Weir-esque meltdown that is happening here

FS Score: 56.87 (TES) + 59.86 (PCS) - 2.00 (DED) = 114.53
Total Score: 64.54 (SP) + 114.53 (FS) = 179.07

5) Denis Ten (KAZ)
     Music: Adios Nonino by Astor Piazolla

• Wow, Quad toe for Denis, Frank must be jumping for joy
• Solid triple axel, this is a different Denis than we saw last season
• That 3-3 was gorgeous, and he has really grown artistically
• Let's hope that Mirai has had the growth that Denis had this season
• Being around Evan Lysacek has had quite an effect on Denis's musicality and performance quality
• He is starting to crumble a little bit, running out of gas
• Though it won't go down as a perfect program, this is still a huge step in the right direction for Denis

FS Score: 64.38 (TES) + 67.22 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 130.60
Total Score: 67.38 (SP) + 130.60 (FS) = 197.98

6) Richard Dornbush (USA)
     Music: A Fistful of Dollars, Ecstasy of Gold, The Lone Ranger

• Here's my boy Ricky, let's hope he can rise to the occasion
• Very stylish right from the beginning
• Landed the quad, in a deep squat nonetheless, but it looked rotated to me
• Great triple lutz, that quad has to give him a lot of confidence
• Triple axel looked good, but hand down and he'll get some negative GOEs
• He is very good at playing the role, he reminds me of a a young Kurt Browning
• Opened up out of that triple axel
• Beautiful 3-3, but followed by another triple turned into a double
• I love this program so much, but he stumbled out of his last jump right in front of the judges
• I hope he can get full credit for that Quad Toe
• I hope that levels in footwork and spins can hold him up

FS Score: 64.44 (TES) + 68.80 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 132.24
Total Score: 70.03 (SP) + 132.24 (FS) = 202.27

7) Kevin Van Der Perren (BEL)
     Music: The Man in the Iron Mask

• HUGE Quad toe from Kevin
• This is a risky music choice as it's so closely tied to Alexei Yagudin
• Stumble on the triple axel
• Kevin is a skater who needs the jumps, he doesn't have great footwork levels or PCS to fall back on
• I'd love to see him get more into the knees and use his head more
• I love the speed of rotation on his jumps and the dancer in me loves to see him spot
• He has been around so long he's been through 3 judging systems
• This costume is a little much for me
• He always has this tendency to run out of gas toward the end of the program
• His spins are really what is lacking

FS Score: 74.61 (TES) + 67.78 (PCS) - (DED) = 142.39
Total Score: 70.09 (SP) + 142.39 (FS) = 212.48

8) Daisuke Murakami (JPN)
     Music: Gladiator

• Here is another Frank Carroll skater
• Triple lutz, doubles the toe
• That triple axel was huge
• We are seeing a lot of falls here
• Double footed the second triple axel
• He is improved in his artistry here, but he needs to keep upping up ante

FS Score: 57.35 (TES) + 66.30 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 122.65
Total Score: 70.67 (SP) + 122.65 (FS) = 193.42

9) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
     Music: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

• I love you Taka, let's get this Quad
• Fall on the Quad toe, short on the landing too and probably won't get the rotation either
• Gorgeous triple axel
• That high-collared blousy shirt is very Todd Eldredge circa 1998
• Two falls so far, he hasn't seemed like himself this week and he pretty much needed to skate clean to have a hope at winning
• I love Taka for the quality of his skating, even down to the basics
• He really saved that triple axel
• This is not the Taka who won two Grand Prix Gold medals, he just looks dejected at this point
• I like this program a lot, and can't wait to see it grow
• I wanted a better skate from him, but it was courageous to keep going after such a tough opening and a tough week in general

FS Score: 68.54 (TES) + 74.86 (PCS) - 2.00 (DED) = 141.40
Total Score: 70.69 (SP) + 141.40 (FS) = 212.09


10) Michal Brezina (CZE)
      Music: The Untouchables

• Brezina has a pretty easy win here if he can just stay on his feet
• That flying sit is a little weak, could use a lot more speed
• I'm not a fan of this footwork, it needs a lot more level variation and upper body and head usage
• Triple axel-double toe
• I really don't understand this costume
• He has very long lines and he looks great when he jumps cleanly
• He is completely unraveling, he tried to water down and it's blowing up in his face
• We've had a fall, a few pops, a few singles
• This is going to be close, what a talented guy who seems to fall apart when it matters most

FS Score: 64.50 (TES) + 73.42 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 136.92
Total Score: 79.08 (SP) + 126.92 (FS) = 216.00

Skaters to Watch: Skate America Edition

Alissa Czisny (USA)-2010 Grand Prix Final Free Skate





Carolina Kostner (ITA)-2010 Grand Prix Final Short Program





Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)-2011 World Free Skate





Richard Dornbush (USA)-2011 US Nationals Free Skate





Savchenko & Szolkowy (GER)-2011 Worlds Free Skate





Bazarova & Larionov (RUS)-2010 NHK Trophy Short Program





Davis & White (USA)-2011 Worlds Short Dance





Pechalat & Bourzat (FRA)-2011 Europeans Short Dance

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Skate America Men's Short Program [LIVE BLOG]

Here we go...the start of the Senior ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. The 1st group of Men are taking the ice for Warm Up! It's a big confusing here on the couch because we're hearing overlapping commentary and in-arena announcers. I can't tell with all the overlap, but I'm excited to see who our commentators are going to be. I love seeing what skaters do during warm-up...some do their tough jumps and some just skate around. Skaters are coming off the ice...here we go!

1) Douglas Razzano (USA)
       Music: Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninov

• A little wobble on the end of the 3axel but a solid start
• He looks a little tentative, popped that toe loop into a double
• I'd like to see him be a little more expressive in his upper body
• He lands the 3-3 combination but it could get a negative GOE
• Could use a little more height in that split jump
• I'm nit-picking, but anytime you land all your jumps in the first major event of the season, it's a solid start
• He could definitely speed it up a little more in this footwork sequence
• I like the choreography of the piece and can't wait to see it grow

SP Score: 30.62 (TES) + 30.07 (PCS) = 60.69

2) Daisuke Murakami (JPN)
     Music: The Feeling Begins by Peter Gabriel

• He won O Nepela earlier this month so I'm excited for this skate!
• This costume is way over the top
• Quad sal-double toe, I assume should've been a 4-3 combo
• Huge triple axel, could've used more flow out of it
• Triple lutz could've had more height
• He needs more speed on his spins and more stretch in the positions
• What I hate about the new system is some of the heinous spin positions we get
• I like the use of levels on this footwork sequence, he uses his head nicely

SP Score: 39.91 (TES) + 30.76 (PCS) = 70.76

3) Denis Ten (KAZ)
       Music: Elegie Opus 3, No. 1 by Rachmaninov

• Here is one of Frank Carroll's skaters
• Denis is a very lyrical, soft skater
• That is a very 90s costume, very Todd Eldredge
• It's good to see him land that 3axel
• He lands the 3-3 combination, but he lacks a  lot of flow out of the jumps
• Fall on the triple lutz, it looks like he had it but his foot slipped out from under him
• That program had a very abrupt ending for me

SP Score: 35.11 (TES) + 32.27 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 67.38

4) Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)
      Music:  Kashmir by Led Zeppelin

• Armin is on my Fantasty Team, go Armin!!
• Wasn't this Ashley Wagner's original short program last season
• Very powerful 3-3 combo
• He is coming out very aggressive
• Hand down on the triple axel, very tilted in the air, but nice tight spinning
• I love his donut spin, it's reminiscent of Johnny Weir
• Armin has awesome spin positions
• He is showing more command of the ice than he has in the past, he looks like he belongs at the top
• I like that his weird spin positions fit the theme of the program

SP Score: 33.72 (TES) + 30.82 (PCS) = 64.54

5) Richard Dornbush (USA)
    Music: The Fifth by David Garrett

• Come on Ricky, you're on my fantasy team too
• I love his command and his artistry
• He uses his head like Evan Lysacek
• Great 3lz-3t combo
• This is nice choreography, he doesn't waste one movement
• Huge triple axel with great flow on the edge
• Nice stretched out came position, and those sleeves flow well
• Good triple flip
• This footwork is very nice, the arms are working just as hard as the legs and feet
• I like this contemporary version of Beethoven's fifth; very edgy
• Very solid start to the season for Ricky! Good job buddy!

SP Score: 35.74 (TES) + 34.29 (PCS) = 70.03

6) Florent Amodio (FRA)
     Music: Summertime by Gershwin

• So how does hot pick go with Gershwin?
• I love Florent but he's kind of a hot mess sometimes
• That triple Flip really lacked height
• I'd love to see that triple axel travel more
• I think Gershwin would roll over right now if he heard his music mixed with Jumpin Jack
• And he just popped his Lutz and missed the combination, that is going to hurt his score a lot
• This step sequence is very flashy, I love it!
• I love the low knees and upper body usage in the step sequence
• This music take me back to Kanako Murakami last season and her sippy cup
• Morozov looks pissed, but he's patting Florent's leg lol

SP Score: 27.32 (TES) + 35.14 (PCS) = 62.46

7) Kevin Van Der Perren (BEL)
    Music: Quidam from "Cirque du Soleil"

• I love watching Kevin jump, when he hits that is
• He always skates to highly dramatic music with a really strong beat
• That triple axel was huge
• The dancer in me loves to watch the way his head spots his jumps
• His landings were wonky but he hit the 3-3 with a very fast rotation
• Triple loop is a new solo jump
• Normally we see Quads from Kevin, but we're certain to see that in the free
• I've always loved to watch him skate and I'm so glad he didn't retire
• He is rapidly losing speed on his spins
• Not seeing near the speed in footwork that we saw from Dornbush, Amodio, etc
• He really needs to point his toes on that death drop

SP Score: 37.76 (TES) + 32.3  (PCS) = 70.09

8) Samuel Contesti (ITA)
    Music: Hungarian March, La Gazza Ladra, 1812 Overture

• Samuel is such a showman, I believe this is his short from last season
• Foot totally slipped on the lutz, but jumped right back up
• Stumble out of the triple axel, he is have a rough go of it but you wouldn't know it from his facial expression
• Solo triple flip, I though maybe he'd try to add a combination onto that after the fall on the lutz
• He, like Amodio, has no combination and will suffer greatly on the technical mark
• There is no making nice about it, that was struggle for Samuel, but it's early in the season and he usually peaks later

SP Score: 24.27 (TES) + 32.35 (PCS) 1.00 (DED) = 55.52

9) Michal Brezina (CZE)
    Music: Best of Kodo

• I love the opening Crouching Tiger pose
• Very powerful triple axel to start
• Very solid triple flip-triple toe combination
• He seems to be in the zone
• Triple lutz looked clean as well
• I'm not a huge Brezina fan nor do I like this Survivor-esque music but even I'll admit that this is a solid program
• The wild arm movements are a lot to handle, but they support the theme of the program
• Bobble on the foot change of the combination spin, but this should put him into 1st overall

SP Score: 42.05 (TES) + 37.03 (PCS) = 79.08

10) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
       Music: Inner Urge

• Come on Taka, my fantasy team could use some love!
• Another jazzy short for Taka
• Fall on the quad toe, which looked under-rotated as well
• Rebounds with what I thought was a solid triple axel, but drops the hand
• He landed very cross-legged on that Quad Toe fall, I hope he didn't injure himself
• It takes guts to continue after two botched jumps, but he hits his triple lutz-triple toe solidly
• Don't count out Taka, because he came from behind in the short at Worlds to win Silver
• Taka has always been a much stronger free skater in the free that in the short
• I like his improved commitment to choreography; does this remind anybody slightly of Chan's Take 5 short
• Tonia K, do we really think it was about rink size?

SP Score: 34.33 (TES) + 37.16 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 70.69

2011 Skate America: Men's Preview

Can you believe it? The 2011-2012 Figure Skating season is finally upon us! Some very exciting things have been happening on the Junior Grand Prix and at some ISU Senior B events, but nothing compares to the Senior Grand Prix. And starting it off with Skate America seems like old times again. The men take the ice Friday at 10pm (EST) for their short program and 2:35pm on Saturday for their free. I'll be live-blogging all 8 events this weekend so be sure to check back for all my thoughts and feelings! Welcome back and let's have a great season!

I have every reason to believe that reigning World Silver Medalist Takahiko Kozuka will take this title. Taka won 2 Grand Prix Golds and a Bronze at the Final last season as well. He has solid technique and a quiet artistry that always puts up a great score. Without Evan Lysacek, he has no real competition unless he makes major mistakes. I see a three-way battle for Bronze between Michal Brezina (CZE), Florent Amodio (FRA), and Richard Dornbush (USA), who placed 4th, 7th, and 9th respectively at the 2011 Worlds. Brezina & Amodio have more experience, but both are very inconsistent. Dornbush lacks the polish of Kozuka, but he is quickly improving and has been working on Quads. Do not count out last year's Skate America Bronze Medalist Armin Mahbahnoozadeh (USA), who is known for clean, consistent skating that often wins the day when others make mistakes. Rounding out the field we have Daisuke Murakami (JPN), Kevin Van Der Perren (BEL), and Samuel Contesti (ITA) who finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively at this season's O Nepela Memorial Trophy and Denis Ten (KAZ) who finished 9th earlier this month at Nebelhorn Trophy. Douglas Razzanno (USA) was a last minute addition after the withdrawal of Evan Lysacek. He brought home a silver at the Finlandia Trophy this season and could make a splash if he throws down his best programs. None of the five are likely to factor into the medals, but they have the potential to build their International reputation with a good showing here.

Podium Predictions:
1) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
2) Richard Dornbush (USA)
3) Florent Amodio (FRA)


My USFSA Fantasy Picks:
A) Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)
B) Richard Dornbush (USA)
C) Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)


Competitive History:

Florent Amodio (FRA)-7th 2011 Worlds, 1st 2011 Europeans, 6th 2010 Grand Prix Final, 2nd 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard 3rd place 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 229.68 at 2011 Worlds


Michal Brezina (CZE)-2nd 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 4th 2011 Worlds, 8th 2011 Europeans, 1st 2011 Bavarian Open, 2nd 2010 Golden Spin of Zagreb, 7th 201 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 236.06 at 2010 Worlds 


Samuel Contesti (ITA)-3rd 2011 O Nepela, 18th 2011 Worlds, 6th 2011 Europeans, 1st 2011 Mont Blanc Trophy, 4th 2010 NRW Trophy, 4th 2010 Cup of Russia, 4th 2010 Cup of China, 3rd 2010 Finlandia Trophy; PB: 226.97 at 2009 Worlds


Richard Dornbush (USA)-9th 2011 Worlds, 1st 2010 Junior Grand Prix Final, 1st 2010 JGP Germany, 4th 2010 JGP Austria; PB: 222.42 at 2011 Worlds


Takahiko Kozuka (JPN)-2nd 2011 Worlds, 4th 2011 Four Continents, 3rd 2010 Grand Prix Final, 1st 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st 2010 Cup of China; PB: 258.41 at 2011 Worlds


Armin Mahbanoozadeh (USA)-7th 2011 Four Continents, 3rd 2010 Skate America, 4th Nebelhorn Trophy; 211.17 at 2010 Skate America


Daisuke Murakami (JPN)-1st 2011 O Nepela, 2nd 2011 Triglav Trophy, 3rd 2011 Winter Universiade, 5th 2010 Skate America, 5th 2010 Finlandia Trophy; PB: 213.37 at 2010 Skate America


Douglas Razzanno (USA)-2nd at 2011 Finlandia Trophy, 2nd at 2010 Ice Challenge, 8th at 2009 Ice Challenge, 4th at 2007 Junior Grand Prix Final; PB: 174.71 at 2007 JGPF


Denis Ten (KAZ)-9th 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 14th at 2011 Worlds, 1st at 2011 Winter Asian Games, 11th at 2010 Skate America, 12th at 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 211.43 at 2009 Worlds


Kevin Van Der Perren (BEL)-2nd 2011 O Nepela, 17th at 2011 Worlds, 4th at 2011 Europeans, 6th at 2010 Skate America, 8th at 2010 NHK Trophy, 5th at 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 219.36 at 2009 Europeans