https://hochi.news/articles/20230324-OHT1T51274.html?mode=photo&photoid=1

 

I adore Rinka's expressions in the photo. Wonderful, wonderful interpretation and expression of the music. 

 

PS: Rinka said she took inspiration from Yuzu as she chose a Japanese-themed program, and boy I was so glad to hear so. I adore Tenchi, which JIN reminds me of, it does. 

5 hours ago, Faithyu said:

Outch, looks like Yelim did two really costly mistakes....

I watched her skate and it seemed like she had no energy at all and that her heart wasn't in it. I hope she's ok.

5 hours ago, Faithyu said:

Question:

A new trend or rule to do a combination with a axel right after it?

Trend? I think its for points. 

2 hours ago, LAY said:

May be it's in Japan...I wonder attendance rate for next year world at which country? The number of audiences willing to travel overseas remain ? 

Next year Worlds is in Montreal. Easy for fans to get to, and to get tickets, but my prediction is that it will be half- full.

I'm happy to see that Kaori defended her title. Also, I honestly don't think she had any serious competition at this Worlds other than Rinka and Mai. Right now Kaori is head and shoulders above the other women in international competition.

 

 

Was so sad for Mai. Consistent all year, finally getting marks she deserved... her top competition for medals before her (Loena, isabeau) had falls... the stars were aligning for a podium finish... but she looked more nervous than I've seen her all year. The last 2 passes were errors... I think if she'd landed even one of those triples the bronze would have been hers. What a time for having your season's worst performance  however, a great season and now she has SOI, WTT... and many other shows. Still proud of her. 

 

Kaori... also looked very nervous, but held it together enough for first J ladies' back to back titles. Such a powerful girl!! Speed skater who can jump invading the ice, lol!!! 

36 minutes ago, rockstaryuzu said:

I'm happy to see that Kaori defended her title. Also, I honestly don't think she had any serious competition at this Worlds other than Rinka and Mai. Right now Kaori is head and shoulders above the other women in international competition.

 

 

 

But if she hadn't had the 6 points from the short, it could have gone differently. If Haein keeps her form, Kaori has competition.

I'm still hoping Rika can resolve her injuries... then Kaori has even more competition. 

5 hours ago, Faithyu said:

 

But if she hadn't had the 6 points from the short, it could have gone differently. If Haein keeps her form, Kaori has competition.

I think the difference is that Kaori has some interesting , rather Yuzu-like skills. For example, even though she popped the loop in the combo, she still had the presence of mind, speed, and balance going to be able to do the 3T so she didn't lose the combo completely... not sure Haein has the same qualities. 

5 hours ago, liv said:

I'm still hoping Rika can resolve her injuries... then Kaori has even more competition. 

This! 

10 hours ago, LAY said:

I do find Haein is a graceful skater and hope she will improve and become as good as Yuna Kim - her idol🙏

Yes Haein is a joy to watch! Enjoyed her skates the most, looking forward to see more from her

Good for 

Spoiler

 

iv widget

Congratulations to the skaters big and small.   I'm going to try and watch the competition when it shows up on my television.  I also like watching Jason Brown.  He always seems to be smiling, such a joy to watch. 

Mai went into Worlds unwell. 

 

Here I am thinking why the hell did she compete in that small local comp just days before this most important comp of the season. 

 

But, well, all things considered, she did her best. Most likely she will still have WTT left, but I hope she will take good experiences and memories from this season so she can try her best for the next one.

 

If she does go to Worlds again, I hope, hope, hope there will be no more tiny comps and travelling right before Worlds. 

So, per a press release I read (https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/ka/system/files/2023-03/figure-skating-championships-2023-livei.pdf) the seat capacity at Saitama for 23 Worlds is 20,000 (Olympic channels reported the same capacity). Per Johnny W**r, the seat capacity is 19,000. And per that anti-Yuzu reporter the capacity is 16,000.

 

Hmmm....

 

Regardless, attendance rates (per that anti-Yuzu reporter) so far seem to be 

Wednesday: 6,110

Thursday: 10,428

Friday: 12,976

Who's watching ice dance?