2016 NHK Trophy: Ladies & Pairs Preview
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The remaining Grand Prix Finalists will be determined this week at NHK Trophy, the last Grand Prix event of the season! Here’s our preview of the ladies’ and pairs’ fields.
LADIES
With Grand Prix Final spots on the line for multiple skaters at NHK Trophy, this tightly packed ladies event promises both excitement and heartbreak. In the mix for medals are five recent Grand Prix medalists, who all need a strong showing here in order to book a trip to the Grand Prix Final. The most anticipated event lies with the showdown between 2016 Rostelecom Cup Champion Anna Pogorilaya, who is building on her 2016 World Bronze Medalist momentum, and 2016 Four Continents Champion Satoko Miyahara, who struggled with underrotation calls and errors in her step sequence to place a lukewarm third at Skate Canada. NHK will also be the second Grand Prix event for former junior stars and Trophee de France medalists Maria Sotskova and Wakaba Higuchi, both of whom could take a medal home and clinch a spot to their first senior Grand Prix Final. Elizabet Tursynbaeva and Mirai Nagasu, both strong international competitors when they’re on, could potentially surprise for placements in the top half of the field. The stakes here are high, and with such a high level of talent, NHK is sure to be a nail-biting competition.
ANNA POGORILAYA
Representing: Russia
Age: 18
ISU Personal bests: SP 73.98, FS 141.81, total 215.21
ISU Season’s best: 215.21
Notable titles: 2016 World Bronze Medalist, 2-time European Bronze Medalist, 2016 Russian National Bronze Medalist
Programs: SP - Por una cabeza; FS - Modigliani Suite/Memorial Requiem
Coming off a stellar win at the 2016 Rostelecom Cup, Anna’s two strong performances in Moscow cemented her position as a now-rising star in figure skating. Her newfound confidence, highly-improved performance skills, and solid technical prowess at the 2016 Rostelecom Cup proved to fans that her 2016 World Bronze Medal was not a fluke, but perhaps a marker of even greater accolades to come. With her consistency becoming one of her strongest assets, a reappearance at the Grand Prix Final this season is certainly within reach should she place within the top 4 at NHK Trophy. At 2015 NHK Trophy only a year ago, Anna placed a disastrous 9th, but comes in this year as one of the favorites to take the title - showcasing how she has been able to turn her career and image around on its head. She has every capability to win this competition, but will need to be technically pristine or nearly so in this packed field, especially with consistent skaters like home favorite Satoko Miyahara also in contention for the title.
Anna is known for her inventive style, stating that “if I should skate the same thing year after year - who would want to watch it?” This extends to her fun exhibition programs, which in the past have included selections from the musical “Cats,” the movie “The Fifth Element,” and the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest Winner “Rise Like a Phoenix.” She loves cats and often posts about them on her social media.
SATOKO MIYAHARA
Representing: Japan
Age: 18
ISU Personal bests: SP 72.48, FS 142.43, total 214.91
ISU Season’s best: 206.75
Notable titles: 2015 World Silver Medalist, 2016 Four Continents Champion, 2015 Grand Prix Final Silver Medalist, 2-time Japanese National Champion
Programs: SP - Musetta’s Waltz (from La Boheme); FS - Star Wars/The Planets
Despite being one of the most consistent skaters in the world, Satoko was hit with strict underrotation and edge calls - as well as an invalidated free skate step sequence - at Skate Canada, which dropped her to a shocking third place. However, weak performances from other contenders have improved Satoko’s chances to make her second Grand Prix Final, a competition where she won the silver medal a year ago. To win on home turf and repeat her title of NHK Trophy Champion, Satoko will have to build on home crowd support and avoid the technical errors that plagued her at Skate Canada. Steadily building and improving on her programs as the season continues, Satoko is known for her interesting choreography and subtle, musical style which is especially apparent in her Star Wars/The Planets free skate. Although a silver at NHK Trophy is enough to clear her path to the Grand Prix Final, Satoko is definitely in the running to take the gold medal here. But with newly risen stars like Anna Pogorilaya, Wakaba Higuchi, and Maria Sotskova in the field, Satoko will need to give clean performances to clinch that title and secure her Grand Prix Final berth for sure.
Satoko is often called “Tiny Queen” by her fans, standing at only 150 cm (4 feet 9 inches.) She hates bananas but loves pineapples. Satoko is also proficient in English, having spent part of her childhood in Texas. She has also worked on the triple axel in practice.
WAKABA HIGUCHI
Representing: Japan
Age: 15
ISU Personal bests: SP 66.66, FS 129.46, total 194.48
ISU Season’s best: 194.48
Notable titles: 2015 & 2016 Junior World Bronze Medalist, 2014 Junior Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist, 2-time Japanese National Medalist, 2-time Japanese Junior National Champion
Programs: SP - Nocturne (from Lady Caliph); FS - Scheherazade
Although she is the youngest skater in the field, NHK Trophy is far from Wakaba’s first rodeo. With many anticipating her transition from junior to senior international competition, Wakaba lived up to expectations, winning the bronze medal at Trophée de France in her senior Grand Prix debut. Also notable in her strong performances in Paris were marked improvements in her artistry and presentation, with her “Lady Caliph” short program receiving the praise of skating fans. Her powerful jumps, solid technical score, improved performance skills, and her determined attitude to medal served as markers of perhaps greater things to come. Coming into NHK Trophy with a bronze medal under her belt, Wakaba is a potential threat for the Grand Prix Final should she win at least silver here. However, she is sometimes prone to popping her jumps and making other mistakes when she’s nervous, and will need to avoid such errors in order to win another medal in this deep field. If she’s on, a medal in front of the home crowd is certainly within her grasp - as well as a ticket to Marseille next month.
Wakaba is a big fan of Taylor Swift, and is known by her fellow skaters for her lively personality. She is good friends with 2016 World Champion Evgenia Medvedeva, having competed with her in juniors, and they make frequent appearances on each other’s social media accounts.
MARIA SOTSKOVA
Representing: Russia
Age: 16
ISU Personal bests: SP 68.71, FS 131.64, total 200.35
ISU Season’s best: 200.35
Notable titles: 2016 Junior World Silver Medalist, 2015 Junior Grand Prix Final Silver Medalist, 2016 Youth Olympic Silver Medalist, 2013 Junior Grand Prix Final Champion, 3-time Russian Junior National Silver Medalist
Programs: SP - Butterflies Are Free; FS - Adagio (Schnittke)
Another recent junior-turned-senior, Maria’s consistency and high technical content won her a silver medal at Trophee de France behind compatriot Evgenia Medvedeva. Although she struggled with inconsistency and injuries in the past, Maria’s solid performances at her senior Grand Prix debut proved that she had no troubles transitioning from junior to senior international competition, and she is certainly capable of holding her own against more seasoned competitors. Maria has a good chance of making her first senior Grand Prix Final as long as she finishes on the NHK Trophy podium - but in this packed field, she will have to rely again on her jumps and cannot afford to throw away any points if she hopes to medal.
ELIZABET TURSYNBAEVA
Representing: Kazakhstan
Age: 16
ISU Personal bests: SP 64.31, FS 121.99, total 183.62
ISU Season’s best: 181.32
Notable titles: 2016 Youth Olympic Bronze Medalist
Programs: SP - I Got Rhythm; FS - Princess Mononoke
Elizabet started off her Grand Prix season with a respectable 5th place finish at the 2016 Rostelecom Cup. However, disappointed with her performances - where she was able to land difficult triple-triple combinations, but errors on other jumps dropped her in the overall standings - Elizabet is looking to improve both technically and artistically in her next showing at NHK Trophy. With a technically competitive jump layout and a strong sense of music and lyricism, Elizabet is one to keep an eye out for. If she skates well, a high placement at NHK Trophy is certainly possible. Her free skate, set to the music of the Studio Ghibli film “Princess Mononoke,” is sure to capture the attention of Ghibli fans as well as the Japanese audience in Sapporo.
Elizabet has trained quad salchows in practice. She speaks Russian and English, and is a musician, playing both violin and piano. She was born in Russia, but now represents Kazakhstan in competition. Elizabet’s figure skating idols are Yuna Kim, Mao Asada, and Carolina Kostner. She is also known for her tiny stature, standing only at 4’9’’ (149 cm).
MIRAI NAGASU
Representing: USA
Age: 23
ISU Personal bests: SP 73.40, FS 129.68, total 193.86
ISU Season’s best: 189.11
Notable titles: 2016 Four Continents Silver Medalist, 2011 Four Continents Bronze Medalist, 2008 US National Champion
Programs: SP - Nocturne No.20 in C-sharp Minor; FS - The Winner Takes It All
A veteran of the ladies’ field who has seen both incredible success and painful failures, Mirai started her Grand Prix season with a shocking 9th place finish at Skate Canada, receiving multiple underrotation calls on her jumps. Known for her musicality and graceful lines on the ice, as well as her world-class spins and spirals, Mirai will be looking for redemption and a chance to prove herself once more at NHK Trophy, where she began her resurgence last season with a 5th place finish. One can never count Mirai out, as she has fought throughout her career over obstacles that would’ve stopped many competitive skaters dead in the water. Her perseverance and determination in the face of adversity have made her a fan favorite. At NHK Trophy, Mirai will have to improve both technically and artistically upon her performances at Skate Canada, and most importantly, avoid underrotations on her jumps in order to reassert her uncertain spot as one of the United States’ top ladies. Placing among the top of the field is certainly possible, but will ultimately depend on which Mirai shows up to competition. Should it be the Mirai that wowed the world at the 2016 World Championships with her poignant and redemptive skates, prepare to be blown away; should it be Skate Canada Mirai, prepare to be heartbroken.
Mirai loves her dogs and often posts about them on her social media. She is currently a student at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and is studying and competing at the same time. Mirai is very friendly to her fans, often liking and acknowledging gifts, fanart, and fan-edits. Her parents run a sushi restaurant called Restaurant Kiyosuzu in Arcadia, California. She is also fond of chocolate.
Other skaters to watch:
Alaine Chartrand (CAN): 2016 Canadian National Champion. Solid showings at Skate Canada, especially in the free skate, placed her 5th in a crowded field. A powerful and athletic skater, Alaine could fight for high placements if she skates well at NHK Trophy.
Karen Chen (USA): 2015 US National Bronze Medalist. At Cup of China, Karen impressed fans with her fight in the free skate, which placed 5th in the segment (but had her in 7th overall after a disappointing short program). If Karen continues her upward trend, she could potentially finish in the top half of the NHK Trophy standings. Karen is known for her dramatic and musical style, as well as her quality spins and spirals.
Yura Matsuda (JPN): 2016 Asian Open Trophy Champion. Yura placed 6th at her senior Grand Prix debut at Rostelecom Cup. She could potentially be rewarded if she skates well in front of the home crowd at NHK Trophy.
PAIRS
Although the NHK Trophy pairs field is not as stacked as other Grand Prix events, it contains several interesting teams and a couple of top contenders who are looking to qualify for the Grand Prix Final. Frontrunners Meagan Duhamel/Eric Radford, the 2-time and current World Champions, are in the hunt for another gold medal here in order to punch their ticket to Marseille and challenge for the podium there. Meanwhile, two strong teams from China - Cheng Peng/Yang Jin and Xuehan Wang/Lei Wang - are coming off of solid performances at Cup of China. Both teams have the potential to place on the podium at this competition, and for Peng/Jin, a medal will also clear their way to the Grand Prix Final. Tarah Kayne and Danny O’Shea of the United States will be looking to redeem themselves from their Skate America performances with two good skates, and to set themselves up in contention for the U.S. National title later this season.
MEAGAN DUHAMEL / ERIC RADFORD
Representing: Canada
Ages: 30/31
ISU Personal bests: SP 78.39, FS 153.81, total 231.99
ISU Season’s best: 218.30
Notable titles: 2016 & 2015 World Champions, 2014 Grand Prix Final Champions, 2-time Four Continents Champions, 5-time Canadian National Champions
Programs: SP - Killer; FS - Non, je ne regrette rien
Easily repeating their Skate Canada gold medals for the third time earlier on the Grand Prix series, Duhamel/Radford come into NHK Trophy as the heavy favorites to take home the title and secure their spot at the Grand Prix Final, although they only need a top 4 finish to qualify. The most decorated team in this field, Duhamel/Radford are known for their strong technical elements and high base values which lead them to the top of medal stands in international competitions. Their throw quad salchow and side-by-side triple lutzes give them an edge over other competitors in the pairs field. As long as they complete most of their elements, they should walk away with the gold medal at NHK, further asserting their position as one of the top pairs team in the world. However, with new and talented teams from China in the mix, Duhamel/Radford cannot afford to relax too much and must avoid making major errors.
CHENG PENG / YANG JIN
Representing: China
Ages: 19/22
ISU Personal bests: SP 69.93, FS 128.03, total 197.96
ISU Season’s best: 197.96
Notable titles: 2016 Cup of China Silver Medalists
Programs: SP - My Drag; FS - I Will Wait For You (from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg)
Making their competitive debut at Cup of China last week after teaming up only this year (the Chinese Skating Association broke up their old partnerships because they believed the old teams weren’t successful enough), Peng/Jin charmed fans with their fun programs, as well as their friendly and easygoing chemistry. Placing second in Beijing, Peng/Jin proved that despite being the “afterthought” of the Chinese pairs partner swap, they are a competitive force to be reckoned with in their own right, executing the majority of their technical elements with positive grades of execution. Strong performances in their first international appearance showed a happier Cheng, who improved upon her main technical weakness, side-by-side jumps. A Grand Prix silver medal already secured, Peng/Jin look ready to take a place at their first Grand Prix Final together as a team, but will have to continue their momentum at NHK Trophy in order to earn a spot on the podium. They will also need to avoid making the mistakes that plagued them in past partnerships, and weather through nerves in front of a foreign crowd. Having only a week to shift gears from Beijing to Sapporo could potentially affect their performances as well.
XUEHAN WANG / LEI WANG
Representing: China
Ages: 18/28
ISU Personal bests: SP 69.36, FS 118.72, total 186.76
ISU Season’s best: 182.02
Notable titles: 2014 Cup of China Bronze Medalists, 2014 Trophee Eric Bompard Bronze Medalists
Programs: SP - Steppin’ Out With My Baby; FS - Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing
A potential medal slipped through Wang/Wang’s grasp after costly mistakes in the free skate at Cup of China, placing them fourth overall. Although disappointed with the results, Wang/Wang have to regroup quickly for competition at NHK Trophy, where they have another chance at the podium if they can improve upon their performances from last week. Known for their charming style and easy chemistry on the ice, Wang/Wang also have strong technical elements - with only the side-by-side jumps for Xuehan being a weak point. Xuehan’s captivating personality on ice, as well, makes this team one to keep an eye on. If they perform to the best of their ability in this field, Wang/Wang could potentially win a spot on the podium. However, they will need to avoid the errors that saw them lose out on a medal in Beijing.
TARAH KAYNE / DANNY O’SHEA
Representing: USA
Ages: 23/25
ISU Personal bests: SP 62.05, FS 122.45, total 182.02
ISU Season’s best: 173.50
Notable titles: 2014 4CC Silver Medalists, 2016 US National Champions, 2015 US National Bronze Medalists
Programs: SP - Take Me to Church; FS - Son of India/Marche Slave
At Skate America, Kayne/O’Shea fought back from a devastating short program to place third in the free skate segment and sixth overall. A musical and expressive young team steadily moving up the ranks, Kayne/O’Shea have shown potential, but are still searching for technical consistency. With Tarah’s determined attitude pushing this team forwards, NHK Trophy will serve as a deciding point in the upcoming battle for the pairs title at U.S Nationals. Kayne/O’Shea could surprise for a medal at NHK if they give two lights-out performances, but will ultimately need to depend on the performances of other teams to reach the podium. However, a top-half finish is certainly within reach.
Tarah is known among Japanese fans in particular for her friendship and shenanigans with Shoma Uno. She also posts makeup tutorials on her Youtube channel and is an avid fan of Yuri!!! on Ice.