Cup Of China

The skating season continues this week in Beijing, the same city the Grand Prix final will take place in just a few short weeks. Here's a quick preview on those hoping to qualify to come back soon!

Full starting orders and results can be found here.

Ladies

Mirai Nagasu (USA) will be hoping to erase some of the disapointment from the world championships and return to the form that made her 4th in the olympics. She will face off against Miki Ando and Akiko Suzuki of Japan as well as 'mini Yu-Na' Korea's Ming-Jung Kwak

Mens

Brian Joubert had somewhat of a disaster in Vancouver, leading him to once again question his situation and switch coaches. He has however showed a great return to form in some of the lead up competitions for this season and doesn't want to give up yet. He'll be competing against fellow europeans Samuel Contesti (Italy) and Tomas Verner (Czech Republic) as well as Takahiko Kozuka of Japan

Pairs

World Champs Pang & Tong will be looking to add more gold to their bag after their recent win at NHK and qualify for the grand prix final in their home town. Their closest competition may be from last week's Skate Canada winners Iliushenchkina & Maisuradze.  World junior champions Sui & Han will also look to emulate their mentors.

Dance
The favourites in the ice dance will be italian veterains Faiella & Scali. I must admit they have never been this bloggers personal favourites (mainly for their long term rivalry with the Kerrs) but they peaked at the right time in 2010 and look set to continue up the ice dance ladder. Their competition will be the crowd pleasing Pechalat & Bourzat of France, Russuians Bobrova & Soloviev and American siblings Madison & Keiffer Hubbell.

Where do we go from here?

I was pondering this evening where 'Queen Yu-Na' will go if she chooses (or is forced) to leave the Cricket Club.


I could think of only two places that would do for her.

The Granite Club in Toronto is another exclusive private club and the base (for at least some of the time) of Lori Nichol, Kurt Browning and Patrick Chan. I'm sure Yu-Na could get plenty of first rate coacing and ice time here and would not have to sever all ties with Toronto. But with Canada skaters so loyal to Brian - would she really get a warm welcome?


However- if Yu-Na wants more of a change of scene she might consider moving to Michelle Kwan's family rink, the East West Ice Palace in Artesia, California. This place is busy with californinian skaters (Caroline Zhang being one of them) but I'm sure Yu-Na would be welcomed. I'm sure the biggest star in Korea would suit LA rather well.

I can't see Yu-Na going to Russia as however big a star you are you must slog it there. And life in Korea would still be just to crazy if she still wants to train and compete.

Meanwhile

French Skater Yrethra Silete has surprised many and won the short program at JGP france. The skater who's best finish on the JGP to date was 6th place at the event in Dresden last week scored 48.67. This put her narrowly ahead of Polina Shelepen (RUS, 48.11) and Nina Jiang (USA, 48.06). I have a feeling the russian will take it in the free skate but is would be great to see this french unknown hold on for a medal at home.

(Photo of Silete by David Carmichael)


In the men's competition Canada's Andrei Rogozine topped the short programme (64.52) ahead of the two americans Max Aaron (64.31) and Jason Brown (58.00).

All the US skaters competing in the Senior Grand Prix this season are in Colorado Springs for Champs Camp- which this year includes a monitoring competition.

I'm sure all the interviewers will be wanting a few words from Adam Rippon on the situation back at the Cricket Club!

Mirai Nagasu won't be skating at the camp as she has a stress fracture in her foot (this girl has ROTTEN luck!) She is due to be back on the ice September 1st. However it seems to be lucky she made it to the camp at all given these tweets:
Woke up today...at 10...got ready to go to the mall....and then...

I checked my email and realized I've got a plane to catch!! Hello Champs
camp!!:)

Gotta love that girl!