Rika was the star here at the COC for the ladies. Nicely skated, strong and consistent. I am not totally sold on her version of Riverdance. After seeing on youtube Bourne and Kraatz and even Brown this is down the list a bit. wow it is going be a great battle at Japanese nationals. It is a real reality that Russia might not have any lady on the world podium and only 1 lady in the GP final. That being said skating in ladies well all events might be for one of the first time without clear leaders. On would think Mao would clearly lead the ladies but forget Mao's closes and most dedicated fans she didn't win the fs and when she misses elements and loses her confidence the edges and flow are affected. Of course if she had skated cleanly or at least with out struggles on jumps she has nice flow. But she doesn't have the assurety and confidence and consistency of Yuna who you could count on to get the job done cleanly and effortlessly. Even Mao's preparation for the more difficult elements looks like she is thinking versus say Chan who even when he prepares it looks like part of the program with great flow. I am exaggerating but almost all skaters onbig elements look like they are taking a great big run at it before they jump. Mao has amazing flow and grace when on though. As or comments about her look it is lcear lavender is her fave color. It is pretty but not necessarily ideal or complementary to her Madame butterfly program forget her skin color. I think she likes the color as she has worn it many times but it is a very "cool" color and Madame butterfly has a lot of warmth and drama and highlight pont so a deep crimson or orange or evne pink with a red tone would be better. This lavender is better for ethereal programs for lack of words. That being said it is official It is a dog fight in the ladies three lovely Japanese ladies, two strong looking American princesses with attitude and a dog fight for the third spot and a mess on the Russian team - though a mess a lot of nations would love. Sure Med seems a bit young and untested and everyone else is struggling but their struggling skaters Liza, Rad, Adelina, Alena, Anna let alone Alena and Julia who have all but been forgotten is not a horrible situation comparatively. Interesting the door is open for Mirai to show some 2010 form and win it all - but ice is slippery.
Not that Yuna should be included in this competition, great queen that she is- she had only skated cleanly (both SP and FS) 6 times. What even is the point? The topic in discussion is the current ladies field. As far as consistency is concerned, It's her first competition after a year off. HOW CATASTROPHIC.