The Best and Worst of 2012/2013, Part 2
Stefania Berton/Ondrej Hotarek finally found their true calling after years of unsatisfactory results as single skaters. In the process, they've also put Italy on the pairs skating map for the first time in history.The European Bronze Medalists have just got to be on the Best List this season.
Both music choices suited them very well (Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones for SP and Poeta en el viento by Vincente Amigo for LP), which proves that they can interpret any role. They still have a lot to learn about executing their elements flawlessly and being synchronized in the side-by-side spins, but the Italians (or so to speak, given that Ondrej is Czech) are on their way to success. True, they may find an obstacle if Vera Bazarova/Yuri Larionov ever get back to the program quality that made them famous, but that only means figure skating will get even more interesting to watch.
An honorary mention to their friendship with Michal Brezina, who has been helping them with their programs and apparently has a genuine talent for coaching. (P.S.: looking forward to seeing more of this collaboration)
Things aren't looking so good for Cheng Peng/Hao Zhang. Perhaps it's unfair to say the pair's one of the season's worst, because they've just teamed up, but the huge age difference (aka experience) makes it unlikely for them to ever reach an international podium together.
That being said, they did have some good moments this season (remember their SP from Trophee Eric Bombard?) Their choices of music(Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney for SP and Poeta by Vincente Amigo for LP), were a welcomed change from the typical classic Asian programs . With any other partner, Hao would have beaten the Italians with their own music,
but having to always look out for Cheng dragged his performance down.
I don't know if there's a future or not for this pair, but as things are right now, one thing is clear: Hao is at least 3 levels above Cheng, but you can't be too harsh on her - she's only fifteen, and skating with an Olympic silver medalist at such a young age must be nerve-wrecking.
Both music choices suited them very well (Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones for SP and Poeta en el viento by Vincente Amigo for LP), which proves that they can interpret any role. They still have a lot to learn about executing their elements flawlessly and being synchronized in the side-by-side spins, but the Italians (or so to speak, given that Ondrej is Czech) are on their way to success. True, they may find an obstacle if Vera Bazarova/Yuri Larionov ever get back to the program quality that made them famous, but that only means figure skating will get even more interesting to watch.An honorary mention to their friendship with Michal Brezina, who has been helping them with their programs and apparently has a genuine talent for coaching. (P.S.: looking forward to seeing more of this collaboration)
Things aren't looking so good for Cheng Peng/Hao Zhang. Perhaps it's unfair to say the pair's one of the season's worst, because they've just teamed up, but the huge age difference (aka experience) makes it unlikely for them to ever reach an international podium together.
That being said, they did have some good moments this season (remember their SP from Trophee Eric Bombard?) Their choices of music(Live and Let Die by Paul McCartney for SP and Poeta by Vincente Amigo for LP), were a welcomed change from the typical classic Asian programs . With any other partner, Hao would have beaten the Italians with their own music, but having to always look out for Cheng dragged his performance down.
I don't know if there's a future or not for this pair, but as things are right now, one thing is clear: Hao is at least 3 levels above Cheng, but you can't be too harsh on her - she's only fifteen, and skating with an Olympic silver medalist at such a young age must be nerve-wrecking.
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