Something to prove

In a post olympic season there are often big changes at the top and new talents have an opportunity to make a statement on the international stage. However, at Trophee Eric Bompard this week, 3 established names in the world of figure skating have demons to dispel and something big to prove.

Mao Asada had a disastrous outing at her first Grand Prix event this season, NHK. The reigning world champion would be expected to dominate, particularly in the absense of Kim Yu-Na, however Mao seems to have had trouble returning to form in her new coaching environment. Her programmes this year are much better suited to her than last season's, once again showcasing her lyrical quality, but her heavily relied on triple axel jump let her down and she has a limited arsenal of jumps to fall back on.
Mao has no chance to make the final this year but she will be looking to get her jumps and her confidence back before the Japanese Nationals in December. 3 other Japanese skaters (Miki Ando, Akiko Suzuki and Kanako Murakami) have qualified and unless she shows improvement, Mao may be at risk of being dropped from the World team and unable to defend her title.

Alissa Czisny comes to Paris in a different situation. Riding on a high from her recent win at Skate Canada she needs only a consistent skate and a medal of any colour to breeze into the final. Alissa has qualified for the Grand Prix final before (in 2005-6 just prior to the Turin olympic games) but has a reputation of being inconsistent when the pressure is on. A reputation she will be looking to shake off.

Mirai Nagasu is a young talented skater who seems to be constantly fighting obstacles, injuries and her own self belief. Mirai is still fighting her way back from a stress fracture of her ankle this season. At Cup of China (this year and last!) and at the recent world championships she rocked the short programme only to crumble in the free skate and miss out on a medal. Mirai is a very very long shot to make the final but what is more important for her is to put out two clean programmes and boost her own confidence heading to nationals. She has more than enough ability to make another world team this year but the competitive field of US ladies won't allow her any breathing room to make a mistake.

Alongside these 3, other contenders for a medal in Paris include Canadian Cynthia Phaneuf, Finland's Kiira Korpi, and Japanese veterain Fumie Suguri and newcomer Haruka Imai. France's own young talents Lena Marocco and Mae Berenice Miete will also be looking for good performances at home.