Worlds 2016 - Greetings from Boston!
As we prepare for the 2016 World Championships, there seems to be only one question on everyone's minds. It's not about how Boston's first ever Worlds will measure up to the rest, it's not even about the drug scandal which took one of the best ice-dance couples out of the competition. The one and only question seems to be: how do you beat the three world champions going head to head in Boston?
I don't even have to say their names for you to know exactly who I'm talking about. Their rivalry is so famous in the figure skating world, they might as well start calling themselves The Three Rivals of the Ice, or some other cheesy name you're bound to find plastered on some ice show poster.
No matter which country you're in, Hanyu, Fernandez and Chan are starring in all the headlines related to this year's World Championships, just as they did last year (even if Chan wasn't even competing) and the year before that. So, to get back to my question of how to beat them, my answer is: you don't. At this stage of their careers, the only ones who can beat these guys are themselves. Sure, Shoma Uno and Denis Ten (arguably part of the rivalry squad like a skating fourth musketeer in the novel that only has three in the title) will try to knock them off the podium. If I'm to predict which one they might get out of the way, I'd say the weakest link at the moment is the Canadian, what with Yuzuru and Javier breaking records all over the place. However, we've yet to see the day when a judge puts Chan behind a newbie star even if the latter deserves it.
Crossing over to the ladies' side, there are less cameras flashing here, mostly because it's all a bit of a mess. First of all, the world champion, the one we all called brilliant only a year ago, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, couldn't make it on the Russian podium this season, so she can't defend her title. How crazy is that? Then you have Mao Asada, a true living legend, who finished third at Japan's Nationals, to everyone's shock. Satoko Miyahara and Rika Hongo, who finished ahead of her, are also in Boston, but these two ladies have never gone close enough to a world title before. On that note, another bright star who wins gold medals left and right, but never at this level, is Elena Radionova. And of course, you can't forget Evgenia Medvedeva, European champion at her first Europeans. And then there's...ok, I'll stop here as I think you've got the picture. There are a lot of ladies who could win the title, but no hint as to which one will.
Luckily, it's not all as dizzying as the men and ladies events. The pairs' competition is pretty straightforward: Meagan Duhamel/Eric Radford vs. Tatiana Volosozhar/Maxim Trankov vs. Aliona Savchenko/Bruno Massot vs.Wenjing Sui/Han Cong vs. Ksenia Stolbova/Fedor Klimov. Ugh...did I say it was straightforward? Well, it kind of is: all these couples have what it takes to be on the podium, but the gold will likely be disputed between the Canadians and the Olympic champions.
Speaking of Olympic champions, there was fantastic news preceding this competition: Tessa Virtue/Scott Moir will return to competitive skating. That's probably going to complicate things a lot next season, but for now, ice-dance seems to be the easiest discipline to figure out. Papadakis/Cizeron are back to defend their title (and likely will). Right now Weaver/Poje seem to struggle to cover that extra mile separating them from the gold, which is why the silver medal is a surer bet for them. For third, I'm keeping an eye on the Shibutani siblings (newly-crowned US champions and FCC champions, might even go higher than 3rd) and the Italians/Chock & Bates.
With all of this happening, these World Championships are going to be one of the most intense ever. I know I say that every single year, but it really is true every single year. Figure skating keeps getting more difficult, more artistic and more exciting. Don't miss it!
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| The logo of the 2016 World Figure Skating Championships |
No matter which country you're in, Hanyu, Fernandez and Chan are starring in all the headlines related to this year's World Championships, just as they did last year (even if Chan wasn't even competing) and the year before that. So, to get back to my question of how to beat them, my answer is: you don't. At this stage of their careers, the only ones who can beat these guys are themselves. Sure, Shoma Uno and Denis Ten (arguably part of the rivalry squad like a skating fourth musketeer in the novel that only has three in the title) will try to knock them off the podium. If I'm to predict which one they might get out of the way, I'd say the weakest link at the moment is the Canadian, what with Yuzuru and Javier breaking records all over the place. However, we've yet to see the day when a judge puts Chan behind a newbie star even if the latter deserves it.
Crossing over to the ladies' side, there are less cameras flashing here, mostly because it's all a bit of a mess. First of all, the world champion, the one we all called brilliant only a year ago, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, couldn't make it on the Russian podium this season, so she can't defend her title. How crazy is that? Then you have Mao Asada, a true living legend, who finished third at Japan's Nationals, to everyone's shock. Satoko Miyahara and Rika Hongo, who finished ahead of her, are also in Boston, but these two ladies have never gone close enough to a world title before. On that note, another bright star who wins gold medals left and right, but never at this level, is Elena Radionova. And of course, you can't forget Evgenia Medvedeva, European champion at her first Europeans. And then there's...ok, I'll stop here as I think you've got the picture. There are a lot of ladies who could win the title, but no hint as to which one will.
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| Boston has a rich figure skating history, but has never hosted the Worlds before |
Speaking of Olympic champions, there was fantastic news preceding this competition: Tessa Virtue/Scott Moir will return to competitive skating. That's probably going to complicate things a lot next season, but for now, ice-dance seems to be the easiest discipline to figure out. Papadakis/Cizeron are back to defend their title (and likely will). Right now Weaver/Poje seem to struggle to cover that extra mile separating them from the gold, which is why the silver medal is a surer bet for them. For third, I'm keeping an eye on the Shibutani siblings (newly-crowned US champions and FCC champions, might even go higher than 3rd) and the Italians/Chock & Bates.
With all of this happening, these World Championships are going to be one of the most intense ever. I know I say that every single year, but it really is true every single year. Figure skating keeps getting more difficult, more artistic and more exciting. Don't miss it!
I disagree just a little bit with the pairs; my opinion its gonna be:the Russians against each other, the canadians vs the chinese and the germans, really cant remember when we've had so many good pairs in competition
ReplyDeleteNice article and thank you Daiana. First from mens perspective, I don't think other than some illness or lightening striking the same place Yuzu will probably take it. Chan has been on a steady improvement run, but it has not been consistent. Javi is in arguably the best shape of his life...Shoma, Denis. Denis will do better than anyone expects as he has a reputation of being great late in the season. Ladies. Gold is a battle between Satoko and Evgenia, both are so consistent, and that is what will drive it. Evgenia is a bit better at technicals and Satoko the edge on artistry. I will be happy with either on top. Both are very hard working ladies. Bronze will be interesting. A late breaking entry, Mirai has been under-rated by the federation since the Olympics issue and her reputation has not recovered. She only had one GP event which she placed well. Mirai, once the most inconsistent on the American Team is the most consistent. In comparison, she is in many ways the equal of Mirai. I see the battle for the Bronze between both Mirai and Lena. I have love and respect for them both and this too will be amazing. Lena wants to be on that podium badly, and will work her tail off. Mirai is on a mission. I expect Mirai to outshine every American lady there and can do so due to her consistency. Even a 4th or 5th will upset the apple cart in the American Federation. For someone with only one grand prix event during the season, it is unheard of to be ranked this high. Lena, on the otherhand is charismatic and beautiful on the ice, she draws you in and I would argue that skating skills with Lena and Mirai are dead even. Either Mirai will out beautiful Lena or Lena will out charisma Mirai.
ReplyDeleteLena walks in with an excellent reputation for a beautiful skate as does Mirai, if one of them makes a mistake they will exploit it, same as with Evgenia and Satoko who both have a reputation for clean skating. A small mistake will be costly here, as it should be at worlds. I think you are spot on with Dance, Mr. and Mrs Yellow Pants have the lead with pairs and I suspect it will be the end. Too bad Alexander and Yuko are not back, the rivalry between them and the Russian Champions is noteworthy, but sad because of injury. What is noteworthy this worlds is substitutes which are changing the balance. Sad not to see Polina, and Jason, or Yuko/Alexander. It is going to be very good, and historical in a lot of ways. Plan on fireworks and it will be for skating fans like a super rollercoaster ride. If you are wearing a hat, better hold on to it.
ReplyDeleteYuzu will No 1,sure !
ReplyDeleteYeah yuzu definitely!!
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