2016 NHK Trophy: Men & Ice Dance Preview
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Grand Prix Final spots are on the line as we enter the last Grand Prix event, NHK Trophy! Here’s our preview of the men’s and ice dance fields, both of which boast highly decorated competitors going head-to-head for medals.
MEN
Men’s figure skating is currently advancing at a breakneck pace, and it seems as though history is being written before our eyes with each new competition. With three Grand Prix Final spots still up for grabs and five contenders at NHK Trophy, the men’s event promises to be gripping. Reigning Olympic Champion Yuzuru Hanyu headlines the field in front of a home audience; also fighting for podium spots are USA’s Jason Brown and jumping prodigy Nathan Chen. Russia’s Mikhail Kolyada will be looking for stronger performances than at his previous Grand Prix event in order to set himself up for Russian Nationals, while Israel’s Alexei Bychenko, fresh off his first ever Grand Prix medal at Rostelecom Cup, will be hoping to keep his momentum strong. With Hanyu and Chen attempting some of the hardest jump layouts in skating history, the stakes are high, the risk of disaster is high, but the potential rewards are even higher. This competition is definitely not one to miss.
YUZURU HANYU
Representing: Japan
Age: 21
ISU Personal bests: SP 110.95, FS 219.48, total 330.43
ISU Season’s best: 263.06
Notable titles: 2014 Olympic Champion, 2014 World Champion, 3-time Grand Prix Final Champion, 4-time Japanese National Champion
Programs: SP - Let’s Go Crazy; FS - Hope & Legacy
One year after he skated two clean programs at 2015 NHK Trophy, smashing three world records in the process, Yuzuru once again enters this competition as the favorite. Unbeatable when he’s on, Yuzuru will essentially be competing against himself, but as his performances earlier on the Grand Prix Series showed, he is still human and still vulnerable to mistakes. Although he set yet another record this season by becoming the first skater to land a quadruple loop in competition at the 2016 Autumn Classic International, the quad loop failed him at Skate Canada, and major errors in the short program left him with a large deficit to make up in the free skate. With his silver medal from Skate Canada, Yuzuru only needs to place within the top 4 at NHK Trophy in order to qualify for the Grand Prix Final (a competition he’s won for the past 3 years in a row), but he’ll definitely be hoping for cleaner performances in front of a home crowd. With his combination of high technical content and high component scores, Yuzuru should win the competition as long as he avoids making too many mistakes, but considering the risky nature of his jump layout and the volatility of the men’s field, nothing is set in stone. Yuzuru also spent a large chunk of the off season recuperating from a foot injury, which may or may not still affect his training during the season.
Yuzuru is known for his beautiful jumps and spins, and his programs are packed with difficult jump entries. He is one of the most popular skaters in the world and a superstar in his native Japan.
NATHAN CHEN
Representing: USA
Age: 17
ISU Personal bests: SP 92.85, FS 171.95, total 264.80
ISU Season’s best: 264.80
Notable titles: 2015 Junior Grand Prix Final Champion, 2014 Junior World Bronze Medalist, 2013 Junior Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist, 2016 US National Bronze Medalist
Programs: SP - Le Corsaire; FS - Polovtsian Dances
A jumping phenom that the USA - and the world - has rarely (if ever) seen, Nathan sent shockwaves through the skating world with his jaw-dropping technical content at Trophee de France, his senior Grand Prix debut. Never one to take it easy, he returned from his off season hip surgery with both a quad lutz and a quad flip (the two hardest quad jumps ever attempted) and landed both in his Trophee de France short program, becoming the first skater to successfully complete both in one program. He placed second in the short program behind Javier Fernandez despite doubling his triple axel. A mere day later, Nathan attempted four different types of quads and five quads in total in his free skate - again, the hardest layout ever attempted in skating. Although he fell twice and dropped to fourth place overall, Nathan announced his presence loud and clear: the new generation is not playing around. Competing at his second Grand Prix event at NHK Trophy, Nathan will need at least a silver medal in order to qualify for his first-ever Grand Prix Final, a feasible outcome given his technical content. However, with high difficulty also comes a high potential for mistakes, and since he will be at a disadvantage in this field when it comes to Program Component Scores, Nathan will need to land his jumps (and overcome his nemesis, the triple axel) in order to snatch that coveted spot at the Final. Determined to show that he is a well-rounded skater, Nathan has also worked hard with his new coach, Marina Zueva, on improving his performance skills and presentation, and has already made considerable strides in those areas.
Part of the so-called #sQUAD along with fellow teenage quadsters Boyang Jin and Shoma Uno, Nathan is famed for being completely insane his lack of chill and his competitive nerve.
JASON BROWN
Representing: USA
Age: 21
ISU Personal bests: SP 86.48, FS 182.63, total 268.38
ISU Season’s best: 268.38
Notable titles: 2015 US National Champion
Programs: SP - Writing’s on the Wall; FS - The Piano
In stark contrast to the quad-filled programs of Yuzuru and Nathan, Jason will attempt only one quad toeloop in both his short program and free skate - but despite his easier jump content, Jason is a heavy favorite for the NHK Trophy podium by virtue of his high component scores and his consistency. A polished skater famed for his flexibility and beautiful spins that often receive high Grades of Execution, Jason has chosen to go at his own pace and has only recently added the quad to both of his programs. Although he has yet to land a quad cleanly in competition - he stood up on one at Skate America, his first Grand Prix of the season, but it was called underrotated - his other jumps are solid, and it will likely be his consistency on the easier jumps that earns him a spot on the NHK Trophy podium. However, he has suffered from underrotation calls in the past, and his final placement will depend not only on his own performances but on those of other skaters in the field. With a silver medal from Skate America, Jason’s chances of qualifying for his first Grand Prix Final look good, as he only needs to finish in the top 4 in Sapporo in order to qualify.
Jason is popular in Japan and is currently learning the Japanese language.
MIKHAIL KOLYADA
Representing: Russia
Age: 21
ISU Personal bests: SP 90.28, FS 178.31, total 267.97
ISU Season’s best: 245.30
Notable titles: 2016 Russian National Silver Medalist
Programs: Nightingale Tango; FS - La rêve de la fiancée/À la lune
Mikhail surprised many skating fans last season by coming out of nowhere to place 4th at the 2016 World Championships, but he has yet to recapture that brilliance at his competitions this season. Starting off his Grand Prix season with a strong short program at Rostelecom Cup, Mikhail unfortunately made several errors in his free skate and ended up in 4th place behind Alexei Bychenko. But his hopes for the Grand Prix Final are not completely gone; if he can place 2nd or higher at NHK Trophy, he can punch his ticket to Marseille. However, he will need to be much more consistent than at Rostelecom Cup (and hope for mistakes from other skaters) in order to make the podium in this strong field.
Mikhail is known for his quirky music and skating style.
ALEXEI BYCHENKO
Representing: Israel
Age: 28
ISU Personal bests: SP 86.81, FS 168.71, total 255.52
ISU Season’s best: 255.52
Notable titles: 2016 European Silver Medalist
Programs: SP - Chambermaid Swing; FS - Pagliacci
Another contender for the Grand Prix Final, Alexei proved that his silver medal at the 2016 European Championships was no fluke by winning the bronze medal at his first Grand Prix event of this season, Rostelecom Cup. Although he often struggled with inconsistency in the past, he looks strong so far this season, giving one of the few clean free skates in Moscow a few weeks ago. In order to secure a spot at his first Grand Prix Final, Alexei will need to win at least a silver medal at NHK Trophy. If he can keep up his consistency - and rely on the mistakes of other skaters - another Grand Prix medal might be within his reach. With only one spot for Israeli men at the 2017 World Championships, good performances at NHK Trophy could help Alexei continue his momentum as he fights for the lone World spot with 2016 Junior World Champion Daniel Samohin.
Nicknamed “Party Sailor” by skating fans based on one of his old programs, Alexei previously skated for Ukraine before switching to Israel.
KEIJI TANAKA
Representing: Japan
Age: 22
ISU Personal bests: SP 74.82, FS 161.16, total 234.90
ISU Season’s best: 224.91
Notable titles: 2011 Junior World Silver Medalist, 2013 Japanese Junior National Champion, 2016 Asian Open Trophy Champion
Programs: SP - Primavera Porteña; FS - Federico Fellini Soundtrack Medley
Coming off a breakthrough season that saw him place 4th at 2015 Japanese Nationals and 6th at 2016 Four Continents, Keiji has been up and down so far this season, placing 7th at Rostelecom Cup after a popped jump in the short program left him far down in the standings. He came back with a solid and entertaining free skate, avoiding the pops that gave him his “#popstar” nickname. Keiji has the potential to place in the top half of the NHK Trophy standings if he skates well, but it will also depend on the performances of others. He includes the quad salchow in both of his programs, but is still working on landing it consistently.
Keiji is friends with Yuzuru Hanyu, having competed with him since they were both novice skaters. He is a neat freak and enjoys cleaning.
Other skaters to watch:
Nam Nguyen (CAN): 2014 Junior World Champion. Had a successful senior debut in 2014-15 season, but struggled heavily with jumps last season. Seems to be getting back on track this season, finishing 6th at Skate America. Used to train with Brian Orser; switched coaches during the off season.
Elladj Balde (CAN): 2015 Nebelhorn Trophy Champion. An entertaining performer known for his backflip, which he often performs in galas and shows. Finished 6th at Rostelecom Cup earlier this season.
Grant Hochstein (USA): 2016 US National Pewter Medalist. Had a breakthrough last season, finishing 4th at both Grand Prix events and 10th at 2016 Worlds after a career-best free skate. Struggled with consistency so far this season, placing 3rd at Nebelhorn Trophy and 11th at Skate Canada.
Deniss Vasiljevs (LAT): 2016 Youth Olympic Silver Medalist. Known for his fun personality, performance ability, unique spin positions, and great skating skills. Recently switched coaches to Stephane Lambiel, a 2-time World Champion and fan favorite known for his work as a choreographer. Finished 11th at Rostelecom Cup, his senior Grand Prix debut.
ICE DANCE
The biggest draw of the ice dance field at NHK Trophy is doubtless the matchup between reigning and 2-time World Champions Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron of France, and 2010 Olympic Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada, who have returned to competition this season after a two-year break. This development has already sparked endless discussions among skating fans, including the fact that Virtue/Moir have chosen Papadakis/Cizeron’s coaches as their new coaching team upon their return. NHK Trophy will be the teams’ very first competition against each other, and the scores could prove to be an interesting indicator for the rest of the season - or not, because even in ice dance, anything could happen. Meanwhile, veteran team Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy will be making a push for the podium against the young Russian team of Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov, who will be looking to solidify their position heading into the rest of the season.
GABRIELLA PAPADAKIS / GUILLAUME CIZERON
Representing: France
Ages: 21/22
ISU Personal bests: SD 78.26, FD 118.17, total 194.46
ISU Season’s best: 193.50
Notable titles: 2015 & 2016 World Champions, 2015 & 2016 European Champions, 2014 Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalists
Programs: SD - Bittersweet/Diga Diga Doo; FD - Stillness/Oddudua/Happiness Does Not Wait
Although they were a talented junior team, Papadakis/Cizeron’s middling results during their senior debut season prepared no one for what would occur only a year later, when, over the course of the 2014-15 season, they overcame veteran teams one by one until they stood atop the World Championship podium. Although they missed half of last season after Gabriella sustained a concussion in practice, they reasserted their dominance at the 2016 European and World Championships, defending both titles and setting a world record score in the free dance. Their momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, as they kicked off their 2016-17 Grand Prix season with an easy win at Trophee de France, setting the highest season’s best score of any ice dance team so far. A top 4 finish at NHK Trophy is enough to get them into the Grand Prix Final, but naturally they’ll be aiming for the title itself, and for victory against their new training mates Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir. Based on what we’ve seen so far this season, Papadakis/Cizeron enter NHK Trophy as the slight favorites, but they will have to be at their best against Virtue/Moir in order to win.
TESSA VIRTUE / SCOTT MOIR
Representing: Canada
Ages: 27/29
ISU Personal bests: SD 77.72, FD 114.66, total 190.99
ISU Season’s best: 189.20
Notable titles: 2010 Olympic Champions, 2014 Olympic Silver Medalists, 2012 & 2010 World Champions, 2012 & 2008 Four Continents Champions, 4-time Grand Prix Final Silver Medalists, 6-time Canadian National Champions
Programs: SD - Kiss/Five Women/Purple Rain; FD - Pilgrims on a Long Journey/Latch
The 2010 Olympic Champions who captured hearts around the world with their romantic programs and their chemistry, Virtue/Moir are regarded by many fans as one of the best ice dance teams in recent history. After winning the Olympic silver medal in 2014 behind American rivals Meryl Davis and Charlie White, Virtue/Moir took a two-year break from competition, seemingly ready for retirement. However, they announced earlier this year that they would return to competition, and now work with the same coaching team as Papadakis/Cizeron. A strong short dance at Skate Canada, their first Grand Prix of the season, placed them first in that segment, but a mistake on Tessa’s twizzles and other technical errors in the free dance left them in second place for that segment, although they won overall. At NHK Trophy, Virtue/Moir will have to shake off any remaining return-to-competition jitters, since they will need to be at their best in order to beat their young French teammates. As with Papadakis/Cizeron, Virtue/Moir only need a top 4 finish to qualify for the Grand Prix Final, but they have no doubt set their sights higher than that.
ANNA CAPPELLINI / LUCA LANOTTE
Representing: Italy
Ages: 29/31
ISU Personal bests: SD 72.39, FD 112.07, total 182.72
ISU Season’s best: 180.50
Notable titles: 2014 World Champions, 2014 European Champions, 2015 Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalists, 5-time Italian National Champions
Programs: SD - Cry for Me/Boogie Woogie; FD - Chaplin Medley
A veteran team, Cappellini/Lanotte have nevertheless continued to challenge for major podiums despite an increasingly deep ice dance field and the appearance of talented younger teams. They are best known for their chemistry and their charming, charismatic style (as well as their entertaining exhibitions), but Cappellini/Lanotte have sometimes struggled with technical elements, and they finished a disappointing 4th at Skate Canada, effectively ending their hopes for the Grand Prix Final this season. However, they are still very much podium contenders at NHK Trophy, and they’ll be looking for cleaner programs than last time as they aim for the bronze medal (or higher, if other teams make mistakes) against Sinitsina/Katsalapov of Russia.
VICTORIA SINITSINA / NIKITA KATSALAPOV
Representing: Russia
Ages: 21/23
ISU Personal bests: SD 70.24, FD 104.32, total 172.65
ISU Season’s best: 171.94
Notable titles: 2015 Russian National Silver Medalists
Programs: SD - Duke Ellington Medley; FD - Astor Piazzolla Medley
Sinitsina/Katsalapov teamed up in 2014 after Nikita broke off his relationship with his previous partner, Elena Ilinykh, despite winning the Olympic bronze medal with her only a short while before. The new team made solid progress last season, winning the silver medal at Russian Nationals and placing in the top 10 at 2016 Worlds. They got their 2016-17 season off to a rather lackluster start with a 4th place finish at Cup of China, but if they can clean up their programs this week and capitalize on other teams’ mistakes, a medal at NHK Trophy might be within reach. More importantly, strong performances here would help their standing as they head into Russian Nationals and the battle for the European and World teams. However, competing two weeks in a row might have a negative effect on their performances here.
Other skaters to watch:
Kaitlin Hawayek/Jean-Luc Baker (USA): 2014 Junior World Champions. A promising young team with an elegant style. Finished 6th at Skate Canada, will be looking to place in the top half of the standings at NHK Trophy.
Kana Muramoto/Chris Reed (JPN): 2015 Japanese National Champions. Teamed up in 2015 after Chris’s previous partner, his sister Cathy, retired, and is already one of Japan’s most successful ice dance teams in recent memory. Finished 8th at Skate America and will be looking for good performances in front of a home crowd.