OHMYGOD THANK GOD SUI AND HAN ARE BACK! That is all that I have to say about this event. Done. (Not really, obviously or there wouldn't be any more words after this.) But if you want my #hottakes on the event, that would be it. If there's anything I'm sad about regarding the return of the World silver medallists, I'm distraught that we will not be able to see those programs for a full season. Lori Nichol's choreography isn't always my favorite, but she legitimately hit it out of the park with Sui/Han two seasons in a row. Hands down, those are the two best programs in the pairs field. It is incredible that they were able to make such a strong return after such a serious injury and I know many fans are glad to see their artistic abilities back on the ice. They weren't perfect here, but their gold medal was a big statement before Worlds. Duhamel/Radford's event went kind of like their season as a whole- a bit rocky. They rely on the consistency of their technical elements for their points, and their programs fall flat when they're not clean. Overall, there is just something very off for me about their packaging this year. Neither program really feels like it suits them. They were able to pull off their second World title after a similarly competed season last year, so they certainly aren't out of the game, but their main competitors have been improving and came out with really strong programs this year. Competition will be tight at Worlds for sure. Luba and Dylan really surprised here for the bronze medal. Their look on the ice is really gorgeous and they were able to remain fairly consistent at this event. She, of course, is gorgeous and hits stunning positions. They looked really happy with this medal and it was a huge international placement for them. They will head to worlds where hopefully they can build on this good finish. After their silver medal at the GPF, Yu/Zhang falling to fourth here is a bit of a disappointment. Yu is incredibly elegant on the ice and they do have great pair elements, but there is an understandable lack of connection between the two of them on the ice that really shows. They will be strong contenders at worlds, but may need to rely on other's mistakes for the podium. I was so happy to see Peng/Jin end their season on a really strong note here. Aside from a random spin fall in the short, they skated a clean event. (OMG landing things!) They looked so happy with their scores, and I am just happy that they look happy. Three Olympic spots shouldn't be a problem for the Chinese pairs, and I am excited to hopefully see this team there with more time under their belt. Honestly, kudos to Scimeca/Knierim on the highest finish of the U.S. pairs here. While U.S. pairs as a whole are admittedly inconsistent, these two are the only ones to have made an impact on the international level. Sending them here and to Worlds looks to be the right choice so far, so good for them for carrying their weight, so to speak. As far as the programs go, the short is stronger than the free but I think they were both solid choices for them. I think I actually saw Chris emote once a few times in that free ; ) If their season was longer, I would say change his shirt in the free, but with only one more event to go, probably not worth it. You could tell that this was their first event, but they have a solid footing for Worlds. Thanks for reading! Now if you don't mind me, I'll probably be getting misty eyed over Sui/Han's free skate now. #SobbingforSui More recaps to come!
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