As highly anticipated, Yuzuru Hanyu came through on home ice this week. Though he wasn't perfect, this was certainly an improvement from Skate Candada. I actually think it's good he's starting his season off even slower than normal this year, as maybe it will allow him to peak at Worlds this year instead of the GPF. Men's is probably the field I am most looking forward to at the Final, and my money will be on Yuzu.
Nathan Chen will be headed to the Grand Prix Final in his debut season, quads in tow. Marina Zueva has done good work for his components, but it was interesting to see Raf with him here at NHK. What the U.S. has been looking for for a long time now is a man with multiple quads *and* artistry and Nathan seems to be the bright light in that respect. He's got work to do, but I wouldn't call him just a jumper either. AND THANK THE LORD that Arizona short program costume was changed; this one is much better. I will be very interested* to see his placement at the Final, relative to the Javi/Patricks/Yuzu/Shoma situation as well as to teammate Adam Rippon. (More on that below). It was a cool moment for Keiji Tanaka to grab the bronze on home ice here. There's something about him that makes me smile haha. Maybe he'll run at that third men's World spot at Japanese nationals? That competition is *so* interesting in singles. Unfortunatey, Alexi Bychenko and Jason Brown couldn't have solid enough skates to qulaify for the Final. Both will be facing tough competition at their respective National championships, with more talent than Worlds spots available. This isn't the way they would've wanted to enter their Nationals, and this is especially tough for Jason Brown, who will have to watch two teammates compete in France. (HUGE CONGRATS TO ADAM RIPPON THOUGH!!!) The U.S. men's event is probably going to kill me this year. That's it for the Grand Prix! It flew as usual, but December still brings us the Grand Prix Final, as well as the hugely packed fields at the Russian and Japanese National Championships. Happy Holidays!
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November 2017
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