2014-15 Japanese Nationals Mens SP

[Meoima]

I don't know but to have both Yuzuru and Tatsuki lost so many levels on spins and steps in the same day is just weird. I think Japan judges were just harsher on their top guys.

 

[makaihime]

No hideous crimes was committed Congratulations to the top 3 and I want everyone to step it up tomorrow! I'm torn because I really want Mura/Daisuke to make the WT since they had a good showing this season. Kozuka I am forever about but I feel he needs time to himself...find the passion for skating again because whatever it is right now is just not working for him. He needs to do a Kostner

 

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

They are talking about PCS dear CSG. Kovtun doing 10 quads doesn't justify him a 45 PCS in everyone's eyes.
But anyways it's just national.

Oh, indeed, Kovtun definitely doesn't deserve 45 no matter how many quads he does but under Nationals inflation it's understandable, as long as other guys are benefitting from inflation which Vironov/Menshov did.

Thankfully there was very little inflation here, but Hanyu's PCS gap over Machida is way too big, especially with Hanyu having a visible error (wonky lutz) and Machida going clean (visibly, I'm guessing a UR on his 4T combo).

45.60 PCS should be for perfect performances (unless everyone else is benefiting from inflation too - I'm fine with Hanyu getting 45.60 for that if, say, Machida scored 43-44).

I'd have Hanyu's PCS at about 44, and make Machida's slightly higher, like 42.5-43. He performed with more passion than Hanyu and had no visible error, although Hanyu has a better choreographed program with more transitions. Both are equal in terms of skating skills IMO. It'd be Machida with 91 and Hanyu with 92-93 if the PCS scoring had been more fair. Which makes sense since Machida had a UR and Hanyu doubled, but Hanyu is a better skater/program overall (albeit only slightly and not 3.60 points PCS better).

 

[Krunchii]

I cried watching Machida's SP. I'm such a sucker for his skating, and combined with that music...
I feel terrible for admitting this, but I really wouldn't mind if he were to win tomorrow.

If you are his fan and love his skating there's nothing wrong with rooting for him to win, if he skates the best tomorrow and nabs the title then he deserves it

 

[japanice]

Two-time defending champion Hanyu triumphs in short program

NAGANO – Olympic and world champion Yuruzu Hanyu’s bid for a third straight national title got off to a strong start on Friday night at Big Hat, where he took the lead after the short program at the All-Japan Championships with a score of 94.35 points.

Skating to Chopin’s “Ballade No. 1,” Hanyu opened with an exquisite quadruple toe loop, then hit a booming triple axel, before doubling the back end of his planned triple lutz/triple toe loop combination jump.

Hanyu was off balance coming out of the triple lutz and had to fight to execute the double toe loop. The rest of his program went smoothly before a capacity crowd that showered the ice with flowers and gifts when he finished.

“I made some of the same mistakes here that I did at the Grand Prix Final,” stated Hanyu. “I regret this. I got a high score, but I don’t want to be satisfied with that. I can go higher."

More @ The Japan Times

 

[rite of spring]

It's not the first time this season where Hanyu and Machida lost levels on there spins and step sequence.
The technical panel was being a little harsh for a national championships but the calling looked fair to me.
Can't wait to see what will happen tomorrow.

 

[Sandpiper]

What a wonderful top 2. I would've probably given it to Machida based on cleanliness, my preference for the 4-3, and the sheer release of emotion during his skate. But of course Yuzuru was musical and fluid, with a 4T and 3A fully deserving of +3 GOE--also a worthy leading skate.

 

[Meoima]

It's not the first time this season where Hanyu and Machida lost levels on there spins and step sequence.
The technical panel was being a little harsh for a national championships but the calling looked fair to me.
Can't wait to see what will happen tomorrow.

but the worst they ever got in SP were two level 3 and two level 4. To have both got level 2 and 3 for spins and steps in one competition and at home is just weird. It's obvious they were jugded more harshly. But anyways alright.

 

[ks777]

Why did Shoma lose GOE on his 3A? It even had a difficult entry

Shoma landed his 3axel with a slight two foot. That's why.

 

[chezzu]

I was so impressed with Kozuka's skate; his SS was amazing as usual and the program is so good.... too bad the jumps weren't there

 

[Interspectator]

Poor Kozuka...I LOVE his skating and if you look at the protocols, the judges here love his skating too. 8's on most points. But those jumps...

 

[emma]

thanks for all the descriptions of the skaters' short programs and results! I was so nervous for these guys! Sounds like a good outing for them overall, but I do feel so gutted for Kozuka.

 

[ks777]

He is 1m54 and he's 17 already so I think he will stay the same. He might reach 1m60 but I highly doubt that. Most Asian men have done with growth spurt by this age. And his body type doesn't seem to be the type to grow more at this point.

He was 158cm about a month ago and still growing. I think he will be around 160-165cm eventually.

 

[Silvia451]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXv6NKGj65g&feature=youtu.be
(Hanyu GPF vs nationals)

 

[ks777]

Poor Kozuka...I LOVE his skating and if you look at the protocols, the judges here love his skating too. 8's on most points. But those jumps...

I think Kozuka peaked like 3-4yrs ago. I am not sure why he wants to keep competing. He can still show off his beautiful skating as a pro. I really like his skating but am getting tired of watching his failed jumps.

 

[itoja]

He couldn't have lost 3.6 points due to ice coverage but I'm no technical specialist so I'll leave it at that. I'm just pleased he ended the competition with a strong performance.

There is no need to be diplomatic here - it is simply RIDICULOUS.

Machida was magical today, Hanyu - blah...
I wasn't sold on Tatsuki's SP, even at SA - he was too hectic throughout the program for me. But today everything clicked in - finally that subtle balance between lyrical and dramatic is here

But of course JSF, with their Yuzuru fixation, will never let Tatsuki win.

This sport is so sad...

 

[Alchamei]

Last season Nguyen skated both, didn't he?

Yes, but I thought the rule is valid since this season. I guess, I'm wrong, never mind.

 

[ks777]

As an Asian, and who have seen people with the same body type most of my life. Well. I have to disagree. My classmates in high school technically had the same body type as Yuzuru and he didn't change after 10 years. Another classmate in middle school had the same body type as Shoma and I saw no chance from him from 17 to 27. My cousin the same.
I'd say Shoma might be 1m60 at his (best) full growth.

I am also Asian(Japanese) and I grew until about 18yo. Especially athletes, they grow longer(later) because their growth's been suppressed with heavy physical training. That's why you see gymnasts get taller once they retire.

 

[StSq4]

Yes, but I thought the rule is valid since this season. I guess, I'm wrong, never mind.

I don't remember this new rule but you can be right. We should check about it in some ISU communications (they drive me crazy every year...).

 

[ks777]

I know some people still grow up after 18. But it's rare. My body hasn't changed at all ever since I was 17. My friends who practiced martial arts as well.
But it's not that how often people will grow. it's the body type, something in the gen.
It's hard to explain but I have seen many cases. Anyways I think we can't tell how their bodies will grow eventually, even themselves. Let's wait and see.
Still, from my experience, that body type is not the type to grow any longer.

ok there is a big difference between martial arts and figure skating(and gymnastics). We'll see. I have seen a Shoma's family pic somewhere a long time ago and I don't remember his dad and mom being really short. 158cm is really short for a boy. I am sure he will be like 160-165cm.