2009 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final

2009 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final
Tokyo / JPN
04.12.2009 – 06.12.2009

Time Schedule (Japan Time)
http://www.isuresults.com/events/GPF-09_TimeSchedule.pdf
In Japanese
http://www.skatingjapan.or.jp/image_data/EVENT/1053_2.pdf

1)12/03/2009(THU)
16:15 - Opening Ceremony
17:00 - Jr. Pair Short Program
18:30 - Jr. Men's Short Program
20:00 - Sr. Pair Short Program
21:15 - Ice Dance(Original Dance)

2)12/04/2009(FRI)
15:00 - Jr. Men's Free Program
16:35 - Jr. Pair Free Program
18:30 - Sr. Men's Short Program
19:40 - Sr. Ladies Short Program
20:50 - Sr. Ice Dance(Free Dance)
22:00 - Medal Presentataions Jr. Men's single and Sr. Ice dance

3)12/05/2009(SAT)　
13:30 - Jr. Ice Dance (Original Dance)
14:55 - Jr. Ladies Short Program
16:25 - Sr. Pair Free Program
18:00 - Sr. Men's Free Program
19:30 - Sr. Ladies Free Program
20:35 - Medal Presentataions Sr. Pair, Men, Ladies

4)12/06/2009(SUN)
12:30 - Jr. Ice Dance (Free Dance)
14:00 - Jr. Ladies Free Program
15:35 - Medal Presentations Jr. Ice Dance, Jr. Ladies
16:15 - Exhibition

Entries
http://www.isuresults.com/events/gp2009/gpsmen.htm

PLACE 1 - 6: QUALIFIED FOR ISU GRAND PRIX OF FIGURE SKATING FINAL
1 Nobunari ODA JPN 15 15 30 1 482.11 2 319.56 163.33 162.55 24
2 Evan LYSACEK USA 13 15 28 1 469.89 2 309.92 158.55 159.97 24
3 Brian JOUBERT FRA 9 15 24 1 440.09 2 282.59 147.35 157.50 24
4 Jeremy ABBOTT USA 7 15 22 1 441.44 2 279.44 153.99 162.00 24
5 Daisuke TAKAHASHI JPN 9 13 22 2 445.60 2 291.12 155.01 154.48 24
6 Johnny WEIR USA 9 13 22 2 416.25 2 265.33 139.35 150.92 23

Brian Joubert injured his right foot.
http://www.lanouvellerepublique.fr/dossiers/sport/index.php?res=3&spo=&num=1459329

Two years later, he has exactly the same situation(his boots pierced with the brade when he jumped triple lutz.), Brian Joubert injured his right foot last night in Poitiers.
Two and half years ago, this European Champion had the same experience. And less than five weeks later, he became a World Champion in Tokyo. In Tokyo, he had a plan to go there on Tues day for competing at the Grand Prix Final. It happened same thing to Brian before two and half years ago, however, he made his days brightly in Tokyo at that time. We wish good luck to him and continuous success to Vancouver Olympics Games in February.
The six skaters are already qualified at Grand Prix Final and Brian's replacement will be Tomas Verner and it's not decided to compete at Nationals in Marseille at end of December. However, Brian will be able to advantage from this sad setback and recharge his batteries before the Olympic Games. He would show the same happen to us like he's done at 2007.

Oh, my god!! I hope he gets well soon. I was looking forward to seeing Brian, too in Tokyo....

Those bad news about Brian Joubert's injury made me feel sad. They say now, he's had surgery today. I hope he's not in pain and feels better already. Sending healing vibes his way

I know how his fans must be feeling right now.

Back to GPF, Tomas Verner will be replacing Brian. So I guess, all that suffering (skating with fever and being sick) wasn't for nothing, as Tomas has now got his chance

I would like to express my admiration for all the courageous guys in mens single

Ohhhh, it's too bad..... Get well soon, Brian

hsuhs wrote:

I know how his fans must be feeling right now.

Yes... It's been a year since Dai-chan had the surgery.

Hi, DTFF members!
Here is the entry list for GPF.
chttp://www.isuresults.com/events/gpjgpf0910/Entries_Men.htm

Men's entries
1 Nobunari ODA JPN
2 Evan LYSACEK USA
4 Jeremy ABBOTT USA
5 Daisuke TAKAHASHI JPN
6 Johnny WEIR USA
7 Tomas VERNER CZE

Substitutes
8 Michal BREZINA CZE
9 Takahiko KOZUKA JPN

Withdrawn
WD Brian JOUBERT FRA

I'm sorry that Brian has withdrawn from the Final because of his injury and we know how his fans must be feeling right now as hsuhs wrote. However, it's good to know that the surgery of his foot has been successful! I hope he gets well soon and his replacement, Tomas will show us good performance in Japan.

So sorry for Brian. He hasn't had the best of luck the last couple of years. I'm glad to hear the surgery went well and I wish him a good recovery. Hopefully, his Olympics won't be jeopardized by this injury.

I hope Tomas is over his cold (or whatever he had) and that he skates well in Tokyo.

GPF result page is available now. But SP starting order hasn't been up yet.
http://www.isuresults.com/results/gpf0910/

Men's official practice is scheduled
Dec.2. (Wed) 15:00-15:40 (JST) Men SP/FS Practice
Dec.3. (THU) 13:20-14:00 (JST) Men SP/FS Practice (Open)
http://www.isuresults.com/events/GPF-09_TimeSchedule.pdf

GO Dai-chan!!!

miyu, I think the start order is just a reverse order of the rankings going in. Nobunari will skate last and Daisuke will skate 3rd.

Thank you, miyu!
OMG!! One day ahead!!
Unfortunately, I cannot go to see his practice on Dec. 3rd due to my work, but I'm so excited to see his programs, off course, exhibition, too. Is anyone going to see him?

swandie wrote:

miyu, I think the start order is just a reverse order of the rankings going in. Nobunari will skate last and Daisuke will skate 3rd.

Right, swandie. Here is starting order. I think it's not bad for him.

Men's Starting Order

1 Tomas VERNER CZE
2 Johnny WEIR USA
3 Daisuke TAKAHASHI JPN
4 Jeremy ABBOTT USA
5 Evan LYSACEK USA
6 Nobunari ODA JPN

GO!! GO!! Daisuke!!

Hi Everyone:

Sorry this is off the topic.

I just found myself on Japanese TV!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqzWqehQ8EM

The girl with long hair in red uniform just behind Dai is me.
Does anybody have the sequel of this video?

Thanks.

Genki, that's so exciting that you found yourself on TV! I don't think there's a sequel of that video though, it just seems to be a short backstage shot.

Anyway, reports from the first day of practice are starting to come in.

http://www.kahoku.co.jp/news/2009/12/2009120201000739.htm

This article says that Nobunari landed a 4-3-3 () and that Daisuke landed a quad successfully!

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2009120200776

Nobunari: "My condition is good. I'll be more at ease if I can get an Olympic berth here. I'll work hard to stand on the podium and get the recommendation. I want to concentrate on my own performance."

Daisuke: "At the beginning of of the season I didn't know if I could make the Final, so I'm happy to be here. I'm getting motivated by the other skaters. I want to have fun and show my own performance."

I don't know why the media is making such a big deal about the Olympic berth here... It makes sense for the ladies I guess since the competition is tough, but for the men, the team will almost certainly be Daisuke, Nobunari, and Takahiko. I guess the media just wants to make the competition more exciting by emphasizing that a berth is at stake here.

Genki! You're a movie star now! Congratulations!

Thank you for the news, Calliope!

I, too, think the Olys team is going to be Daisuke, Nobunari, and Takahiko (if nothing extraordinary happens in the coming weeks).

Calliope wrote:

Daisuke landed a quad successfully!

Thanks for a good news, Calliope. I hope we'll see successful quad in his FS.
I just wish Daisuke good luck, more self-confidence, beautiful performance and to enjoy the competition!

Thank you, Calliope!! You are quick!!
And congratulations, Genki!! You are the first poerson from DTFF, who were televised with Dai-chan!!

Different comment from Dai-chan
http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/winter/news/20091202-OHT1T00224.htm
Dai-chan: My condition is not so bad and not so good. I don't think this is the fight for making the olympic team. The result will follow if I can complete my job over the atmosphere of the five other skaters. It's the best.

And pics.
http://www.sanspo.com/sports/photos/091202/spm0912021847000-p14.htm
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/photos/sports/other/091202/oth0912021926007-p3.htm
http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/2009/12/02/p6_0002555936.shtml
http://www.daily.co.jp/newsflash/2009/12/02/p7_0002555936.shtml


BTW, which SP costume do you think Dai-chan will wear this time??

GO DAI-CHAN!!!!

PS.

Calliope wrote:

Do you mean the interview with ESPN in English, or the Japanese one? I have both, I can upload them to the video section if you want. But yes, they are both very cute. (Rewatching them, he seems so young compared to now!)

You are sweet!! Could you do it when you have a time?? I think I've never seen ESPN interview of 05 SA.... Thanks!!

Hi:

I found Oda-kun's amazing video!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqzWqehQ8EM -


It's 4t 3t and 3lo.My god, is he becoming Plushenko?

I saw the link to Nobunari's combo in practice on another board and was as well impressed with it. If he manages to land and fully rotate it in competition, that will bring him a lot of points! Way to go, Nobunari!

The unique thing about Evgeni Plushenko, is that he seems to have nerves of steel : he lands those crazy combinations left and right in competition, while his rivals - not always, often depending on luck and the amount of pressure.

-------------------------------------------------

Reg Daisuke: I hope he skates two beautiful strong programs tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I also hope he knows he could gather some serious PCS with a convincing performance

I'm not sure it's fair/ reasonable to expect of him to deliver 101% at this point. I'm already happy he's in GPF and am so looking forward to his skates. I love it when Daisuke's on the ice - skating, moving, dancing, interacting with audience, expressing different emotions. It's simply magical

To those who are going to be there in person, have a great time, guys!

There wasn't much news yesterday.

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2009120300737
高橋大輔（関大大学院）は４回転を決められず、「きょうは良くなかった」。しかし、大会前にてこ入れしたステップには切れがあり、観客を沸かせる場面も。「全体的な調子はまあまあ。４回転も挑戦したいと思う」と本番を見据えた。
Daisuke Takahashi couldn't land quads and said "I wasn't good today." But his steps which he worked on hard before this competition, were sharp and thrilled the audience. "Overall I'm so-so good. I'd like to attempt a quad."

The competition yesterday was really good. There were a lot of good performances in all disciplines. I enjoyed Nan Song (Jr men, wow big jumps!), D/W (I don't know it was better than V/M but their Indian OD was really enjoyable!! I love it!! P/B's country(?) OD was nice, too.) and P/T(Qing Pang was so beautiful. S/Z was too solid!).
I hope Yuzuru does better today. Go Yuzuru!!!

hsuhs wrote:

I'm not sure it's fair/ reasonable to expect of him to deliver 101% at this point. I'm already happy he's in GPF and am so looking forward to his skates. I love it when Daisuke's on the ice - skating, moving, dancing, interacting with audience, expressing different emotions. It's simply magical

ITA!! I didn't expect I could see him in GPF when the season started..... I just hope he can enjoy this competition and have a good experience.

GO DA-CAHN!!! がんばれ大ちゃん！！

Overall, the news reports from yesterday say that Daisuke didn't manage to land the quad cleanly but the rest of his jumps were solid. Practice reports from fans said he had a lot of two-footed attempts. It sounds like he's definitely going to try it in the LP though, so I hope he can get it fully rotated if anything!

BTW, here's a video showing Daisuke's quad from two days ago for anyone who hasn't seen it yet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H66ndm9Fr9k

I watched the Junior Men's SP last night. Nan Song was amazing! I couldn't believe the height he got on his jumps. Yuzuryu Hanyu looked a little nervous, but hopefully he'll do better today. I'm very impressed by the aura he projects at only 14 years old! Also, I really liked Kento Nakamura. It's a shame about the jumps, but his presentation and overall skating are very nice. Hoping he'll redeem himself today as well!

Anyway, only a few more hours until the Men's SP starts. Have fun, miyu (and whoever else is going)! Good luck Daisuke!

EDIT: Daisuke has a new SP costume! (Yes, another one!)

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/photos/sports/other/091204/oth0912041245006-p14.htm
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/photos/sports/other/091204/oth0912041245006-p15.htm

I think it'd look better without all the illusion fabric... What does everyone else think?

Thanks for the news!

Calliope wrote:

EDIT: Daisuke has a new SP costume! (Yes, another one!)

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/photos/sports/other/091204/oth0912041245006-p14.htm
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/photos/sports/other/091204/oth0912041245006-p15.htm

I think it'd look better without all the illusion fabric... What does everyone else think?

Oh God... sorry, but on the pictures, I find this costume absolutely ugly.
Maybe I'll like it better "in motion", but still, why does he have to keep coming up with new costumes when he already has 2 good ones? (the one from Finlandia and the one from last season/Skate Canada)

MissC wrote:

Oh God... sorry, but on the pictures, I find this costume absolutely ugly.

LOL, MissC

I find the new costume 'too busy', way too many details at once. It overwhelms Daisuke's personality, IMO. As if Daisuke's less important than his outfit.

The colors suit Daisuke well though.

SP starts in 10 min!!

OMG!! He is on fire! Worth getting up so freaking early!!

Oh yes, loved Daisuke's fighting attitude and victorious spirit today. That was a skate of his life! Simply brilliant

Thank you, Daisuke That was awesome

I just hope he doesn't think about those 89.95 too much today, and concentrates on landing all his jumps tomorrow, starting with that 4T, followed by a 3A, etc, etc.

That performance was amazing! Thank you, Daisuke, you were great!
But he looked a little bit more nervous today than in SC...

hsuhs wrote:

I find the new costume 'too busy', way too many details at once. It overwhelms Daisuke's personality, IMO.

Absolutely agree. That one from Skate Canada is the best, IMO.

I hope we'll see tomorrow wonderful performance and successful 4T and other jumps. Good luck, Daisuke!

And Yuzuru Hanyu was great, too! I love him! Congratulations for his first win on GPF!

That was incredible! I wish so badly I could've been there in person -- the arena was going so crazy, during the circular step sequence when Daisuke looked at the audience there were some girls by the boards who literally jumped out of their seats!

About the costume, I agree that "busy" is the best word to describe it. I much prefer the one from Skate Canada (and the one from Finlandia after that). But if he can skate the way he did today every time while using this costume, I definitely won't complain!

Anyway, I just finished watching the Japanese broadcast of the competition. They showed Daisuke's SP twice! During his interview, he said that he got off the music and felt a little rushed trying to catch up, so he didn't think that he would get a good score. There aren't many news articles out with detailed quotes yet, but here's a short statement: http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&rel=j7&k=2009120400923

Daisuke says, "I didn't make a big mistake, but I wasn't satisfied with my skating. The audience supported me, and the judges gave me a good evaluation. I don't know what will happen in the free, so I'll just do what I need to."

I am so happy for Daisuke! What an amazing skate. The energy and crispness was incredible!

CONGRATULATIONS Dai-chan! Soon you'll break 90!

I hope to see some HD video of that performance soon - Japanese broadcasters are cracking down hard on uploaders these days, but hopefully some will pop up somewhere. I really want to savor every second of that skate!

The costume was the only bad thing about it. Don't see the need to change after SC - loved that one!

I am a bit puzzled with Evan being so close in the scores, I would have had him after Nobunari.

It will be a great fight tomorrow! Hopefully Dai will rotate that quad because the men are on fire!