Official Figure Skating Thread

[DC3]

Russian Ladies recap:

 

OMG ANNA !!! Im so happy for her, especially since she didn't do so good at the gpf. Lol @ tat losing her mind when she landed her quad 

 

Im guessing they're going to make her go senior next season

 

Trusova and kostornia  did great as expected. I know we're not supposed try to predict these things, but I did ponder a triple A podium, I just didn't get the placement. 

 

So, a full junior podium on a senior event, how wild

 

Alina was rough, something seemed off but maybe that was just me

 

Russian fed really is making it obvious on how their pushing Stanislava 

 

Those who are going to euros has been semi decided :

Alina

Stanislava

and they'll decide the other later
 

 

https://twitter.com/MedvedevaNation/status/1076615208876081152

Edited December 22, 2018 by DC3

[fallingslowly]

Click here to view the Tweet

Edited December 23, 2018 by fallingslowly

[Riserise]

Mai was outstanding.

 

And don't get me started about Rika. Am now watching Satoko

[fallingslowly]

SO HAPPY FOR KAORI! Her first Japanese title. Hoping for many more in her future.

 

I'm gutted for Satoko. It must be hard to give up that streak. But no one can ever take it away from her.

[baiichi]

Kaori finally gets the love that she deserves. 

Hate the fact that some stans are trying to bring her down by picking on her flutz as if she doesn't have the best loop in the business that needed higher GOE in the first place. 

[sakurahanabira]

congrats to Kaori, Rika, and Satoko! 

[fallingslowly]

Shoutout to Ayaka Hosoda, who threw down three 3As at this competition!

 

 

 

She turns 24 next month and had never placed higher than 15th at Nats. Last year, she didn't even qualify for the free skate!

[sakurahanabira]

so I found out that the 4CC 2019 is going to be held 20 minutes from where I live and I'm wondering if I should get started on buying tickets now, like do tickets sell out fast or would it still be possible to get tickets at the event? I can't afford to go see all the programs though so I'll probably just get tickets to see the FS in person (esp the Ladies) and then watch the other parts of the competition like the SP and the Exhibition online.

[fallingslowly]

so I found out that the 4CC 2019 is going to be held 20 minutes from where I live and I'm wondering if I should get started on buying tickets now, like do tickets sell out fast or would it still be possible to get tickets at the event? I can't afford to go see all the programs though so I'll probably just get tickets to see the FS in person (esp the Ladies) and then watch the other parts of the competition like the SP and the Exhibition online.

 

As in the 4CCs that are happening this season? Those tickets went on sale a long while ago. I imagine the short programs still have plenty of tickets (and they will have a few spares for the ladies leading up to the event, I would guess), but you can't gamble with the free skates. Especially the men, as Yuzuru is likely expected to compete.

Edited December 24, 2018 by fallingslowly

[sakurahanabira]

As in the 4CCs that are happening this season? Those tickets went on sale a long while ago. I imagine the short programs still have plenty of tickets (and they will have a few spares for the ladies leading up to the event, I would guess), but you can't gamble with the free skates. Especially the men, as Yuzuru is likely expected to compete.

if you're referring to the one in Anaheim, CA from Feb 7-10, yeah that's the one I'm talking about

 

Ticketmaster seems to still have tickets available for all events though from what I see, but I wonder if it would be cheaper for me to personally go to the Honda Center and purchase tickets in advance from there so I can avoid paying Ticketmaster's stupid service processing fee.

Edited December 24, 2018 by lavender mint

[fallingslowly]

if you're referring to the one in Anaheim, CA from Feb 7-10, yeah that's the one I'm talking about

 

Ticketmaster seems to still have tickets available for all events though from what I see, but I wonder if it would be cheaper for me to personally go to the Honda Center and purchase tickets in advance from there so I can avoid paying Ticketmaster's stupid service processing fee.

 

It would be cheaper, yeah! For exactly the reason you mentioned, lol. The 4CCs entries for Japan will be announced tomorrow at the latest, so I guess it's a matter of whether or not you want to wait and see what happens? But if Yuzuru is confirmed, the tickets are going to go in a blink, lmao.

[sakurahanabira]

It would be cheaper, yeah! For exactly the reason you mentioned, lol. The 4CCs entries for Japan will be announced tomorrow at the latest, so I guess it's a matter of whether or not you want to wait and see what happens? But if Yuzuru is confirmed, the tickets are going to go in a blink, lmao.

as long as I can get tickets before they announce the entries for Japan, I'm good lol

 

but Yuzuru wasn't at the 4CC 2018 in Taipei so I'm not sure if he'll be at this one either. If he missed out on Japan Nationals but previously competed at the Grand Prix is he still eligible to compete at 4CC 2019? If he does go to 4CC this season though it would be a nice birthday present since the Men's FS event is on my bday lol.

Edited December 24, 2018 by lavender mint

[fallingslowly]

as long as I can get tickets before they announce the entries for Japan, I'm good lol

 

but Yuzuru wasn't at the 4CC 2018 in Taipei so I'm not sure if he'll be at this one either. If he missed out on Japan Nationals but previously competed at the Grand Prix is he still eligible to compete at 4CC 2019? If he does go to 4CC this season though it would be a nice birthday present since the Men's FS event is on my bday lol.

 

He's never won 4CCs, so since he's at the end of his career (probably), people are expecting that he'll want that win. That being said, even if they do confirm him to the team, it'll be like the Olympics where no one honestly has a clue as to whether or not he'll actually show up, lmao.

 

He's eligible, yeah! Japan's criteria for 4CCs is:

• 1-10 at Nationals
• Skaters 6th or higher in ISU world standings, season's world rankings, or season's best scores

And then, here's Worlds:

1. Japanese National Champion
2. the silver/bronze medalist or one of the two top Japanese skaters at the GPF
3. from the second criterion, someone placing 4-6 at Nationals, or a skater whose season's best is among the top 3 of Japanese skaters

AKA, almost literally everyone, lmao. I hope he can show up for your birthday!

Edited December 24, 2018 by fallingslowly

[sakurahanabira]

looks like Yuzuru won't be at 4CC again this year but will be at Worlds

 

https://www.ifsmagazine.com/team-japan-four-continents-and-worlds/

 

FOUR CONTINENTS:

Men: Shoma Uno, Keiji Tanaka, Kazuki Tomono

Reserves: SÅta Yamamoto, Shun Sato

Ladies: Kaori Sakamoto, Rika Kihira, Mai Mihara

Reserves: Wakaba Higuchi, Mako Yamashita

Pairs: Miu Suzaki/Ryuichi Kihara

Ice Dance: Misato Komatsubara/Timothy Koleto

 

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Men: Shoma Uno, Keiji Tanaka, Yuzuru Hanyu

Reserves: Kazuki Tomono, Sota Yamamoto, Koshiro Shimada

Ladies: Kaori Sakamoto, Rika Kihira, Satoko Miyahara

Reserves: Mai Mihara, Wakaba Higuchi, Mako Yamashita

Pairs: Miu Suzaki/Ryuichi Kihara

Ice Dance: Misato Komatsubara/Timothy Koleto

 

BUT WHY NO SATOKO AT 4CC /cries

[Riserise]

Shoutout to Ayaka Hosoda, who threw down three 3As at this competition!

 

 

 

She turns 24 next month and had never placed higher than 15th at Nats. Last year, she didn't even qualify for the free skate!

That's amazing! I'd never heard of her. Japan does have a lot of ladies who are close to triple Axels and have been trying them. Once they're above 18, they have little chance of landing them in International Competition. Perhaps she can go to a Challenger next year?

 

looks like Yuzuru won't be at 4CC again this year but will be at Worlds

 

https://www.ifsmagazine.com/team-japan-four-continents-and-worlds/

 

 

 

BUT WHY NO SATOKO AT 4CC /cries

Japan likes to spread the wealth a bit. I think 4CC is really Mai's thing, because she won two seasons ago and was second last season

Also, Satoko is becoming less likely to win at international competitions as they are stricter with URs and it's her weakness. I think they'd like to have her at Worlds, as that also determines spots and Satoko is still very reliable to place high (though not necessarily at medal level), since she is very consistent. If one of the other two has a meltdown, Satoko can still be counted on to place fourth or fifth at the lowest.

 

About your 4CC ticket; if you're sure that you're going, I would buy it ASAP. Because, like fallingslowly says, if Hanyu decides to participate, those tickets will be gone in a second.

 

 

Kaori finally gets the love that she deserves. 

Hate the fact that some stans are trying to bring her down by picking on her flutz as if she doesn't have the best loop in the business that needed higher GOE in the first place. 

The flutz seems to be something that stops any conversation about a skater. Yes, it's important to call flutzes, but if there's a flutz (or questionable edge), it seems like nothing else the skater does is discussed anymore.

Edited December 24, 2018 by Riserise

[sakurahanabira]

That's amazing! I'd never heard of her. Japan does have a lot of ladies who are close to triple Axels and have been trying them. Once they're above 18, they have little chance of landing them in International Competition. Perhaps she can go to a Challenger next year?

 

Japan likes to spread the wealth a bit. I think 4CC is really Mai's thing, because she won two seasons ago and was second last season

Also, Satoko is becoming less likely to win at international competitions as they are stricter with URs and it's her weakness. I think they'd like to have her at Worlds, as that also determines spots and Satoko is still very reliable to place high (though not necessarily at medal level), since she is very consistent. If one of the other two has a meltdown, Satoko can still be counted on to place fourth or fifth at the lowest.

 

About your 4CC ticket; if you're sure that you're going, I would buy it ASAP. Because, like fallingslowly says, if Hanyu decides to participate, those tickets will be gone in a second.

 

 

The flutz seems to be something that stops any conversation about a skater. Yes, it's important to call flutzes, but if there's a flutz (or questionable edge), it seems like nothing else the skater does is discussed anymore.

 

is it possible for Team Japan to change their lineup for 4CC even after they announce who's going? Because Yuzuru got confirmed for Worlds 2019 but not 4CC 2019. But I know I'm planning on going since it's probably the only time there's a major figure skating competition happening near me and not in another country. 

Edited December 24, 2018 by lavender mint

[SeoMania]

Shoutout to Ayaka Hosoda, who threw down three 3As at this competition!

 

She turns 24 next month and had never placed higher than 15th at Nats. Last year, she didn't even qualify for the free skate!

She's the star of Japanese nationals for me. I didn't even know any other lady was capable of doing three 3As aside from Rika. Hopefully she gets some GP spots next year and podiums. We stan older skaters slaying the field!

 

Also, shoutout to Tomoe Kawabata! Those toe jumps are majestic, look at that 3Lz+3T at 0:42.

 

[Riserise]

is it possible for Team Japan to change their lineup for 4CC even after they announce who's going? Because Yuzuru got confirmed for Worlds 2019 but not 4CC 2019. But I know I'm planning on going since it's probably the only time there's a major figure skating competition happening near me and not in another country. 

I think only in the case that one of them withdraws. They won't take a confirmed spot away from someone if Yuzuru suddenly decides he wants to skate after all.

If I were you, I'd just get the tickets you want when you can. If, let's say, you like men's skating the most, you don't want to end up only having Ice Dance tickets available (for instance; no dis at ice dancing). Unless it's majorly inconvenient for you to go in two days, and four days is much better. Because there won't be a mad rush now, I think.

 

She's the star of Japanese nationals for me. I didn't even know any other lady was capable of doing three 3As aside from Rika. Hopefully she gets some GP spots next year and podiums. We stan older skaters slaying the field!

 

Also, shoutout to Tomoe Kawabata! Those toe jumps are majestic, look at that 3Lz+3T at 0:42.

 

Yes, it would be great if she could suddenly become a big name at that age. Fighting for Worlds spots will be even crazier. The only thing in their advantage is that there's no major threat turning senior next year amongst the Japanese ladies.

 

Tomoe Kawabata did fairly well in the JGP. I hope she stays junior for one more year, as it will be less crowded there next year, so she can make a name for herself and put some nice SBs for the year after. Thanks for that link. I'll watch her program one more time with a focus on the 3Lz-3T

[sakurahanabira]

I think only in the case that one of them withdraws. They won't take a confirmed spot away from someone if Yuzuru suddenly decides he wants to skate after all.

If I were you, I'd just get the tickets you want when you can. If, let's say, you like men's skating the most, you don't want to end up only having Ice Dance tickets available (for instance; no dis at ice dancing). Unless it's majorly inconvenient for you to go in two days, and four days is much better. Because there won't be a mad rush now, I think.

 

Yes, it would be great if she could suddenly become a big name at that age. Fighting for Worlds spots will be even crazier. The only thing in their advantage is that there's no major threat turning senior next year amongst the Japanese ladies.

 

Tomoe Kawabata did fairly well in the JGP. I hope she stays junior for one more year, as it will be less crowded there next year, so she can make a name for herself and put some nice SBs for the year after. Thanks for that link. I'll watch her program one more time with a focus on the 3Lz-3T

at this point I'm more interested in seeing the Ladies' skating than the Men's (only other male skaters I'm interested in seeing besides Yuzuru are Shoma, Boyang, and Junhwa) so I'll probably get tickets for the Ladies' FS since I really want to see Rika's Beautiful Storm performance and double 3As live

 

I've read that the seats behind the judges panel are usually the best seats, but are the seats along the far ends just as good? When I looked at available tickets on Groupon, they were for sections along the far ends on the sides (204 and 226).

Edited December 25, 2018 by lavender mint

[Riserise]

at this point I'm more interested in seeing the Ladies' skating than the Men's (only other male skaters I'm interested in seeing besides Yuzuru are Shoma, Boyang, and Junhwa) so I'll probably get tickets for the Ladies' FS since I really want to see Rika's Beautiful Storm performance and double 3As live

 

I've read that the seats behind the judges panel are usually the best seats, but are the seats along the far ends just as good? When I looked at available tickets on Groupon, they were for sections along the far ends on the sides (204 and 226).

I can imagine that. Out of all disciplines, I would also most want to watch Ladies at 4CC (especially since Hanyu isn't there).

 

Seats behind the judges panel are good indeed. I would try to sit near the middle of the rink and not at the ends. If you're at the ends, you will see some parts well, but it is quite far to see when they're at the opposite side. It's still worth it, though and the upside might be that there are still seats closer to the rink instead of higher up.

 

If you're near the Kiss and Cry, you can sometimes (depending on things blocking it) have a good look at the skaters there, and people sometimes say encouraging things to them, as they do here with Evgenia at around 5:46:

 

 

 

Or give gifts as here with this big plushie for Yulia at 4:10:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIs91xYv75k

 

They are more likely to see/pick up gifts if you're near the exit (or between the middle and exit if the K&C is at the far end).

 

You can try to have a look at the rink when you're there to buy the tickets. All rinks are different and some have random clutter at places where you would not expect it (though I think that won't be the case for a competition as big as Four Continents). Otherwise, you might want to ask people who have been there for advice.

Edited December 25, 2018 by Riserise

[fallingslowly]

looks like Yuzuru won't be at 4CC again this year but will be at Worlds

 

https://www.ifsmagazine.com/team-japan-four-continents-and-worlds/

 

 

 

BUT WHY NO SATOKO AT 4CC /cries

 

Maybe Yuzu just won't be healed in time. He did reaggravate a pretty gnarly injury. :/

 

Unfortunately, as bronze medalist and last place at the GPF, Satoko is first on the chopping block — and like others said, JSF likes to share the wealth. I wish Wakaba could have gotten a piece of the pie too.

 

That's amazing! I'd never heard of her. Japan does have a lot of ladies who are close to triple Axels and have been trying them. Once they're above 18, they have little chance of landing them in International Competition. Perhaps she can go to a Challenger next year?

 

I hope so! She certainly deserves it. I hope they'll consider her for the B Team for JSF.

 

She's the star of Japanese nationals for me. I didn't even know any other lady was capable of doing three 3As aside from Rika. Hopefully she gets some GP spots next year and podiums. We stan older skaters slaying the field!

 

According to the Japanese commentators, she gained a 3A because she was practicing with Rika. She was considering retirement and Rika approached her because she wanted a pal to work on the jump with. How crazy is that?

[fallingslowly]

In fantastic news, Gabrielle Daleman will be returning to competition at Canadian Nationals!

 

http://www.instagram.com/p/BryPK-pjbUV/

[Riserise]

Maybe Yuzu just won't be healed in time. He did reaggravate a pretty gnarly injury. :/

 

Unfortunately, as bronze medalist and last place at the GPF, Satoko is first on the chopping block — and like others said, JSF likes to share the wealth. I wish Wakaba could have gotten a piece of the pie too.

 

 

I hope so! She certainly deserves it. I hope they'll consider her for the B Team for JSF.

 

 

According to the Japanese commentators, she gained a 3A because she was practicing with Rika. She was considering retirement and Rika approached her because she wanted a pal to work on the jump with. How crazy is that?

What an amazing story! Can you imagine her winning major medals next year? That would be one of the best things ever.

 

In fantastic news, Gabrielle Daleman will be returning to competition at Canadian Nationals!

 

http://www.instagram.com/p/BryPK-pjbUV/

 

That's great! Go Gabby!

[jennaayy]

In fantastic news, Gabrielle Daleman will be returning to competition at Canadian Nationals!

 

http://www.instagram.com/p/BryPK-pjbUV/

She deleted the photo from Instagram so I guess she won’t be returning then anymore?

[Riserise]

She deleted the photo from Instagram so I guess she won’t be returning then anymore?

That's weird. It makes me even more worried about her.