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)

Cup of China: Mens Free Skate LIVE BLOG

Pl.	Name	Nation	Points	SP	FS
1	Tatsuki MACHIDA	JPN	236.92	2	1
2	Daisuke TAKAHASHI	JPN	231.75	1	2
3	Sergei VORONOV	RUS	217.61	3	3
4	Adam RIPPON	USA	205.48	4	4
5	Kevin REYNOLDS	CAN	198.24	6	6
6	Yi WANG	CHN	188.27	8	5
7	Jinlin GUAN	CHN	171.04	9	7

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CH	IN	Ded. -	StN.
1	Tatsuki MACHIDA	JPN	153.44	76.66		77.78	7.75	7.39	7.89	7.86	8.00	1.00	#8
2	Daisuke TAKAHASHI	JPN	146.96	65.30		82.66	8.39	8.04	8.04	8.32	8.54	1.00	#9
3	Sergei VORONOV	RUS	144.03	73.59		70.44	7.32	6.54	7.21	7.04	7.11	0.00	#7
4	Adam RIPPON	USA	133.67	61.81		71.86	7.29	6.89	7.11	7.32	7.32	0.00	#6
5	Yi WANG	CHN	131.02	68.52		63.50	6.57	6.07	6.43	6.36	6.32	1.00	#2
6	Kevin REYNOLDS	CAN	128.37	62.17		67.20	6.82	6.64	6.64	6.64	6.86	1.00	#4
7	Jinlin GUAN	CHN	115.07	55.57		60.50	6.25	5.79	6.14	6.07	6.00	1.00	#1
WD	Nan SONG	CHN											#5
WD	Brian JOUBERT	FRA											#3

1) Jinlin Guan (CHN)
  Music: Percussion Carmen

• Oh geez, how does this costume go with Carmen?
• I don't understand what's happening here
• I actually like this step sequence
• This sounds weird but he has a sloppy head, he doesn't hold it up strong
• That was just meh, nothing behind his skating
• He looks gassed!
• 55.57 (TES) + 60.50 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 115.07
• 55.97 (SP) + 115.07 (FS) = 171.04

2) Yi Want (CHN)
  Music: Nothing Else Matters & One

• Nice smooth start
• This sounds like my Vitamin String Quartet, rock on!
• He is a very expressive skater with his upper body, I want him to look up and out instead of down at the ice
• This is actually a fairly interesting program, but he needs to show more on his face
• The potential is definitely there
• 68.52 (TES) + 63.50 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 131.02
• 57.25 (SP) + 131.02 (FS) = 188.27

3) Kevin Reynolds (CAN)
  Music: Concerto No. 4 in E Minor by Mathieu

• Yay, hit the first jump, that should be a good sign
• Doubling jumps, not a good sign
• I desperately want him to take some dance classes to loosen up his upper body
• Straighten that foot in the camel
• This kid has to way 100 pounds soaking wet
• Why are his jumps deceiving him? This guy was the 1st to land 2 different quads in the short
• I don't understand what has happened to his jumping technique
• This was an odd program, I just don't feel like it went anywhere
• 62.17 (TES) + 67.20 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 128.37
• 69.87 (SP) + 128.37 (FS) = 198.24

4) Adam Rippon (USA)
  Music: The Incredibles

• So after bumping heads with Song, I hope Adam is okay! Please be okay and please concentrate!
• Nice opening pose, I like that he's giving us face
• He looks so much more mature now!
• Feed froze, but I think he doubled his planned 3A
• I kind of like this new side to him, very jazzy and masculine
• Decent second 3A, probably two-footed, but good approach
• I like that 3-jump combo with the tano variation on both jumps
• He seems very at home in this style, he seems to be enjoying himself
• That was decent, no crashes, but he definitely gave away a lot of precious points popping jumps, not hitting 3-3 combos, etc
• I'm so torn, I liked that, but I really miss his balletic style
• 61.81 (TES) + 71.86 (PCS) = 133.67
• 71.81 (SP) + 133.67 (FS) = 205.48

5) Sergei Voronov (RUS)
  Music: Romeo & Juliet

• I don't get this meshy top for Romeo & Juliet
• He is doing work on these jumps
• He is Plushenko-like in that he goes up in the air and the jump looks wild, but he lands it like a cat
• This step sequence is an utter atrocity
• I don't understand, in what world do you wear a mesh top and gloves?
• Wow, this is the program of a lifetime today for him
• And we had to ruin it with the butt spin
• Honey, if you want to do a catch foot spin, please straighten the leg
• 73.59 (TES) + 70.44 (PCS) = 144.03
• 73.58 (SP) + 144.03 (FS) = 217.61

6) Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
  Music: Firebird

• This little peanut is trying to put us under his spell like Hanyu did last year
• He reminds me of a more stylish Oda because he is so cat-like an landing the jumps
• I love the little footwork flutters
• And the arm flutter I like as well
• This is a very stylish program, I'm glad to see that when Daisuke retires, we'll still have plenty of great Japanese men to watch
• Fall on the quad, but this should still be enough to make the podium
• 76.66 (TES) + 77.78 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 153.44
• 83.48 (SP) + 153.44 (FS) = 236.92

7) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
  Music: I Pagliacci

• Did we 2-foot that quad Dai?
• I want so badly to see him come back and win Olympic gold in 2014, just hang in there!
• He never does a program that's not interesting to watch, he is like Fred Astaire on ice
• Oh no Dai, why did you have to fall?
• With his PCS, he can handle one fall since Tatsu also fell
• I like this program on him, very dramatic
• His edge work is incredible, he would've been amazing at figures
• He was kind of on another planet today, seemed like he was out in space
• 65.30 (TES) + 82.66 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 146.96
• 84.9 (SP) + 146.96 (FS) = 231.75

Cup of China: Men's Short Program LIVE BLOG

1) Yi Wang (CHN)
  Music: Peer Gynt Suite

• My feed started a little late
• He looks a little reckless, flailing a lot
• I don't think he's conditioned enough to keep up with the music
• Very good effort though in trying to keep up with the music
• That was a pretty rough program, not going to even lie at all
• 29.40 (TES) + 28.85 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 57.25

2) Sergei Voronov (RUS)
  Music: Yablochko

• These Russian guys are all over the place, this should be interesting
• This music is much more intense and heavy than I though; I was expecting something whimsical
• Ooo we have our first Quad combo!
• 3a wild in the air, but catlike on the landing
• This music in the footwork section is wild and his movements match...but not in a good way I'm afraid
• Very bent leg on that last spin, don't do the catch foot if you can't straighten the knee 
• 39.44 (TES) + 34.14 (PCS) = 73.58

3) Jinlin Guan (CHN)
  Music: Danse Macabre

• I already like how theatrical this is from the start
• I love his asymmetrical hair cut already
• Unfortunate fall right away, I was getting interested in this program
• Big time 3A, he really uses the music well
• I like the choreography and composition of the program
• He has some nice qualities to his skating, but the jumps aren't happening today for him
• He seems to be concentrating really hard, he needs to let himself go
• Some of these movements are very Weir-esque
• 25.86 (TES) + 31.11 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 55.97

4) Nan Song (CHN)
  Music: The Middle East Side

• I like this choice of music for him, very nuanced
• Unfortunate fall from such a skilled jumper
• Huge 3A to recover, very tight rotation
• His spins have improved, still on the wild side, but better
• He's losing me in the footwork, I liked the music at the beginning, but now it's not holding my interest
• 39.53 (TES) + 32.22 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 70.86

5) Kevin Reynolds (CAN)
  Music: Chambermaid Swing

• He fell hard on that opening jump
• For somebody so skilled at landing Quads, he's struggled a lot the last 2 seasons
• Very wobbly 3A
• I still don't like this choreography, even after a 2nd year
• Advertisements came up in the middle of my feed, so I missed the 2nd half 
• 36.48 (TES) + 34.39 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 68.87

6) Brian Joubert (FRA)
  Music: Genesis & Aerodynamic

• Yay, please do great!
• He looks stunning in that all black number with the sheer and metallic accents
• He makes it look so easy, he's been doing this for so long
• I love this program, it's classic Brian
• The speed and smoothness is wonderful
• He reminds me so much of Yagudin, even more so now that he's older
• This program has too many throw away moments for IJS, but the step sequence is thrilling 
• 27.20 (TES) + 36.07 (PCS) = 63.27

7) Adam Rippon (USA)
  Music: Nessun Dorma

• Yay Adam, please be awesome!
• This costume is very simple, let's see if it works
• That is a very Todd Eldredge opening pose
• I love that we start with that beautiful laid out camel
• I see we borrowed the Denney/Coughlin Nessun Dorma remix
• Oh man, rough splayed out fall on the 3A, and it looked so solid going up!
• Very tight combo, good air positions
• He excels at the in-between moments
• His strength is in putting a full, complete program out there for us
• Very hard lean on the landing of the Rippon lutz, but he held it up
• This version works for him because he keeps it simple so it doesn't go to the Punk Rock Prom Queen place that Caydee Denney took it too
• Regardless of that fall on the 3A this should still score well due to the program composition, steps, and spins
• Not sure I love that ending, it was a little abrupt and could stand to be smoothed out
•  (TES) + (PCS) =

8) Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
  Music: F. U. Y. A.

•  (TES) + (PCS) =

9) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
  Music: Rock n' Roll Medley

•  (TES) + (PCS) =

Cup of China: Mens Preview

This is a tough event to call. Other than Takahashi, nobody stands out as a true podium favorite so it will certainly be an exciting one to watch! I will be in school during the short program, but I'll be up in the middle of the night to call the free skate!

Former World Champion Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) is the clear favorite to take Gold here. I live for his originality and performance quality. He is getting up there in years and before long he won't be able to jump the way he used to. Let's enjoy him in competition while it lasts and then he can ride off into the sunset, hopefully after winning Gold in 2014. They may be a romantic idea, but this is my blog so what I say goes! I cannot wait to see his new programs, especially the rock and roll short.

I'm going to choose with my heart here and say Adam Rippon (USA) can win the silver. He's changed coaches yet again, so let's pray that he's finally found what he's looking for with Rafael Arutunian. The short to Nessun Dorma is a very typical program choice for Adam, but The Incredibles as a free skate should be an interesting break. I want him to find the mental toughness to match the beauty that he has on the ice in time for Sochi in 2014. This is a critical year for him.

Nan Song (CHN) was the breakout star of the 2011-2012 season and Cup of China is where he reached his first podium of the season. I foresee that happening again here. He is such an athlete but his free is to Romeo and Juliet, so perhaps he's working on bringing out a softer side.

Brian Joubert (FRA) is another interesting case. He withdrew from the GP last season due to injury, but he did place 4th at Worlds and 1st at a small International this season. He has been around for so long and I know that deep down he's holding out for his Olympic medal in 2014, but I just don't know if it will happen. This is a crucial year for him. What I'm most excited for....did he hang onto The Matrix?

My Podium Prediction:
Gold: Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
Silver: Adam Rippon (USA)
Bronze: Nan Song (CHN)

The Rest of the Field:
Kevin Reynolds (CAN)
Jinlin Guan (CHN)
Yi Wang (CHN)
Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
Sergei Voronov (RUS)

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)

2012 European Figure Skating Championships vs. Four Continents: Top Men's Scores

These are comparisons between the two ISU Championships that lead into the World Championships in March. A few of these skaters, namely Evgeni Plushenko and Ross Miner, won't be competing in Nice and we'll see notables Jeremy Abbott, Takahiko Kozuka, and Yuzuru Hanyu added to the field, but could these standings be similar to what we'll see at Worlds?

1) Patrick Chan (CAN) 273.94

2) Evgeni Plushenko (RUS) 261.23

3) Artur Gachinski (RUS) 246.27

4) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) 244.33

5) Florent Amodio (FRA) 134.18

6) Michal Brezina (CZE) 229.30

7) Tomas Verner (CZE) 225.36

8) Ross Miner (USA) 223.23

9) Javier Fernandez (ESP) 222.26

10) Adam Rippon (USA) 221.55

11) Takahito Mura (JPN) 217.16

12) Samuel Contesti (ITA) 212.32

13) Denis Ten (KAZ) 210.03

14) Tatsuki Machida (JPN) 208.04

15) Brian Joubert (FRA) 207.83

16) Jorik Hendrickx (BEL) 204.63

17) Kevin Reynolds (CAN) 203.26

18) Misha Ge (UZB) 196.53

19) Jinlin Guan (CHN) 196.53

20) Sergei Voronov (RUS) 195.89  

2012 Four Continents Championships: Men's Short Program

Thursday February 9th, 2012 8:45 PM EST

1) Nicholas Fernandez (AUS)
2) Maverick Eguia (PHI)
3) Alex Kang Chan Kam (KOR)
4) Harry Hau Yin Lee (HKG)
5) Hwan-Jin Kim (KOR)
6) Wun-Chang Shih (TPE)
7) Luiz Manella (BRA)
8) Jordan Ju (TPE)
9) Kevin Alves (BRA)
10) Min-Seok Kim (KOR)
11) Brendan Kerry (AUS)
12) Jeremy Ten (CAN)
13) Christopher Caluza (PHI)
14) Mark Webster (AUS)
15) Jinlin Guan (CHN)
16) Misha Ge (UZB)
17) Adam Rippon (USA)
18) Ross Miner (USA)
19) Nan Song (CHN)
20) Patrick Chan (CAN)
21) Tatsuki Machida (JPN)
22) Richard Dornbush (USA)
23) Kevin Reynolds (CAN)
24) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
25) Jialiang Wu (CHN)
26) Denis Ten (KAZ)
27) Takahito Mura (JPN)
28) Abzal Rakimgaliev (KAZ)

2012 Four Continents Championships: Men's Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Patrick Chan (CAN)
2) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)
3) Adam Rippon (USA)

At this point, betting against Patrick Chan (CAN) is like betting against the Yankees, it's just not a smart idea most of the time. Kudos to he and his coach for figuring out the system (IJS) and working it to their advantage. It make not be pretty or exciting all the time, but they know where to squeeze out those points. The subversive part of me likes skaters who buck the system, but it's just not a smart idea if you actually want to win. Chan winning has become the biggest constant in skating these days. My one criticism of him is that he reuses programs too often. If we're going to see him at all the big events as the headliner, I want two new programs each season. But back to this event, he should have it in the bag aside from a 4+ fall meltdown. His 3 Quads and PCS will get him the Gold, despite my love for Takahashi. He's also competing in his home arena, so it will feel like practice.

My love for Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) runs deep, but even I don't think he has it in him to beat Chan anymore. His dance and performance abilities are otherworldly, but his jumps are not what they used to be and he's showing his age. If he could get ever get that Quad flip, he'd be in the ballgame, but without it, he'll play second fiddle to Chan. He is first in my heart, but unfortunately he'll probably be second on the ice.

Nan Song (CHN) was the surprise of the Grand Prix for me this season, grabbing some medals and almost making the Final. He plans 3 quads across his programs and they're pretty spectacular. He's not an artist by any means, so that aspect of his skating suffers, but he tries at least! He'll be a great up and comer, and he reminds me a little of Javier Fernandez at this time last year. Both burst onto the scene because of their ability to  do Quads, but now Fernandez has found an artistic side as well.

Adam Rippon (USA) is finally looking like himself again with a recent 2nd place finish at the US Championships. However, he lost tot Jeremy Abbot by a large margin. Because he does not have the Quad, he'll have to maximize GOE marks on all of his other elements to have comparable scores to Song and company. He usually gets the edge in PCS marks because of his great quality of skating overall. Winning a medal here is a chance to make a mini splash pre-Worlds and set up for a good showing in Nice.

Of the rest of the American contingent, Ricky Dornbush and Ross Miner each has an outside shot at this podium if they can stay clean and like the top guys make mistakes. Ross won at bronze at NHK trophy by doing just that. Ricky was disastrous in the short at US Nationals and Ross made a few silly mistakes in the free so this is their chance to end the season on a high note after failing to make the World team.

The rest of Canada's team is a bit spotty as well. Kevin Reynolds is known for his ability to do Quads with ease, but the rest of his programs normally go to the wayside under competition pressure. Jeremy Ten is a wonderful skater, but he's missed over a season with serious injury so this will be our first time seeing him in forever, so nobody knows what to expect. 

Grand Prix Final: Men's Preview

I promised myself that I would make my predictions for this Grand Prix Final based on scores alone, but even though Takahashi's NHK score is higher than Chan's best this season, I can't help but believe Takahashi's was inflated and that Chan has yet to perform anywhere close to his best this season. The men skate their short Friday December 9th at 9:15 p.m. and their free Saturday December 10th at 4:55 p.m.

Of all the men competing in the Final, I like Javier Fernandez the best. I think he stretched himself more in the off-season than anybody and nobody else has impressed me yet. I think Chan takes the easy way out by only doing one new program each year. Takahashi & Abbott have both upped their performance level, but each still struggles to land the quad. Hanyu may be the most talented of the lot in his combination of athleticism and artistry, but he still lacks the maturity to pace himself for an entire free skate. I've never enjoyed Brezina's skating and this season is no different. He is messy and can't compete under pressure.

Placement Predictions: 
1) Patrick Chan (CAN) Season's Highest GP Score 253.74
2) Daisuke Takahashi (JPN) Season's Highest GP Score 259.75
3) Javier Fernandez (ESP) Season's Highest GP Score 250.33
4) Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN) Season's Highest GP Score 241.66
5) Jeremy Abbott (USA) Season's Highest GP Score 229.08
6) Michal Brezina (CZE) Season's Highest GP Score 226.35

Competitive History: 


Jeremy Abbott (USA)-3rd at 2011 Rostelecom Cup, 1st at 2011 Cup of China, 3rd at 2011 Four Continents, 3rd at 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 2nd at 2010 NHK Trophy, 4th at 2009 Grand Prix Final; PB: 237.72 at 2009 GPF (Cup of China, Rostelecom Cup)


 Michal Brezina (CZE)-4th at 2011 Rostelecom Cup, 2nd at 2011 Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st at 2011 Skate America, 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 (Skate America, Trophee Eric Bompard, Rostelecom Cup)

Patrick Chan (CAN)-1st at 2011 Trophee Eric Bompard, 1st at 2011 Skate Canada, 1st at 2011 Worlds, 1st at 2011 Grand Prix Final, 2nd at 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 1st at 2010 Skate Canada; PB 280.98 at 2011 Worlds (Skate Canada, Trophee Eric Bompard)

Javier Fernandez (ESP)-2nd at 2011 Rostelecom Cup, 2nd at 2011 Skate Canada, 4th 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 10th at 2011 Worlds, 9th at 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 5th at 2010 Skate Canada, 5th at 2010 Coup de Nice; 250.33 at 2011 Skate Canada (Skate Canada, Rostelecom Cup)

Yuzuru Hanyu (JPN)-1st at 2011 Rostelecom Cup, 4th at 2011 Cup of China, 1st 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 2nd 2011 Four Continents, 7th 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 4th 2010 NHK Trophy; 228.01 at 2011 Four Continents (Cup of China, Rostelecom Cup)

Daisuke Takahashi (JPN)-1st at 2011 NHK Trophy, 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 (Skate Canada, NHK Trophy)

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