Worlds predictions so far...

[Lark]

I know it is early, but I was wanting to see what others thought so far for World standings. I am gonna guess and say:

Ladies:

Yu Na Kim
Miki Ando
Sarah Meier

I do not see Kimmie or Mao making the podium. Kimmie seems really bogged down by her choreography, and Mao is so hit-and-miss, I think Worlds will be a "miss" for her.

Men:

Lambiel
Takahashi
Joubert

Despite Lambiel looking rusty earlier in the Grand Prix, time and training will iron out his issues. Joubert will land 1 of 3 planned quads due to pressure to win, and finish 3rd. Oda, Lysachek and Weir will round out the Top 6.

Pairs:

Shen and Zhao
Zhang and Zhang
The Germans (eeekkk, can't remember the names).

Ice Dance:

The Bulgarians
The Canadians D/L
The Russians

Sorry, I do not remember the Bulgarians names, and cannot spell the rest! LOL Belbin and Agosto will finish 5th, their FD sucks so bad, unless their Fairy Godmother is there, 5th place would be a gift. And that is coming from a huge fan of theirs! :giveup:

[elanboy]

I'm pretty much in agreement with your predictions for all disciplines except for the ladies event.
I do think that Mao Asada will make the podium, having seen her skate at the recent Grand Prix final, and Japanese Nationals. When she is on, as she was at her Nationals competiton, I think she'll be tough to beat.
Having said this, though, I have not ever seen Yu Na skate and look forward to this. I heard that she is coached by Brian Orser...is this true?

[Lark]

I am not sure about who coaches Yu Na.

But, if the Russian ice dancers were not to medal (and no other Russians seem to be even in the hunt to medal, let alone win) would this be the first Worlds ever where a Russian skater did not medal in any discipline?!? :twisted:

And if that were going to be the case, will the "gods" of figure skating judging allow that to happen? Or will there be a contorversy in judging as far as placement between a Russian and non-Russian skater/Pair/Team?

[elanboy]

oh boy...there you go stirring up the pot again, eh? :P
This would be quite interesting, although I believe under this new system it would be more difficult to do, especially with every single element given specific points. Still, I would not be too sad to see a complete Russian absence from the podiums. It just shows that other countries are stepping up their skating programs and producing elite athletes. It seems the cycle has turned towards the Asian countries now, with China and Japan becoming powers in skating now...

[Artemis]

I heard that she (Yu-Na Kim) is coached by Brian Orser...is this true?

Yes she is coached by Brian at Mariposa (I think), as well as by Bun-Sun Park in Korea.

I have loved watching her since I first noticed her at Skate Canada. Of course it helps a lot that I love both music selections -- esp. Lark Ascending, which is one of my all-time favourite pieces of "classical" music. But I also love her skating style -- she somehow manages to be both mature and innocent at the same time. I'll be rooting for her at Worlds (though I like Mao a lot too. big improvement on the artistry this year)

[icedancer2]

But, if the Russian ice dancers were not to medal (and no other Russians seem to be even in the hunt to medal, let alone win) would this be the first Worlds ever where a Russian skater did not medal in any discipline?!? :twisted:

And if that were going to be the case, will the "gods" of figure skating judging allow that to happen? Or will there be a contorversy in judging as far as placement between a Russian and non-Russian skater/Pair/Team?

I'm not sure where you are going with this statement, but from what I saw in the GP Series this year, Domina and Shalabin (Russian ice-dance team) look like they might possibly medal.

They are good, but I do wonder about the old "Russian domination" here -- I mean, the podium could get awfully crowded with Tanith and Ben, Patrice and Marie-France, the Bulgarians, the French AND the Russians all looking for a podium-spot...

[Lark]

I'm not sure where you are going with this statement, but from what I saw in the GP Series this year, Domina and Shalabin (Russian ice-dance team) look like they might possibly medal.

They are good, but I do wonder about the old "Russian domination" here -- I mean, the podium could get awfully crowded with Tanith and Ben, Patrice and Marie-France, the Bulgarians, the French AND the Russians all looking for a podium-spot...


Uhm, I'm not sure what you are not sure about then? I stated that I thought the Russian Ice Dancers would medal in my first Post.

As to your second paragraph, it appears that we are both a little "aware" of the possibility of the Russians NEEDING to dominate at any expense. So we agree all around. :)

[icedancer2]

Uhm, I'm not sure what you are not sure about then? I stated that I thought the Russian Ice Dancers would medal in my first Post.



Oops, sorry, read it out of context -- yes, now it makes sense. Thanks.:)