Posted by Sari
Nice things about the new flat: state of the art internet. Just plug the cable in and hey presto: broadband. Also, two computers so Jukka can escape to the library room and I can take the lap-top and watch skating and surf in the living-room. Now if I only would manage to get the wireless network to work. For some reason I keep getting the "vajaa liitettävyys" error message.
Anyway, skating. World Championships. I went and got cable just to get Eurosport coverage, though I have to give props to YLE: they had live streaming on internet available of lower ranked couples in the Free Dance. Way of the future, I think. Eurosport has one advangage over YLE, though. They broadcast in four languages which means I can choose Danish which I really don't understand that well and thus not get annoyed over the commentating.
As far as actual competition goes, I love the fact that there are more and more countries sending in skaters and also getting near the top. Russia goes home from these championships with one bronze and USA failed to get three spots for women next year. Instead we have medalists from countries like Korea and Italy.
I actually have no squabble with judging in this competition, expect for the the deduction Joubert got in the short for having vocals in his music. As he had performed the program in international competitions this year without deductions, I think it is plain wrong to penalise him now.
My favourite perforances came from Pechalat/Bourzat who had great flamenco OD and great high-concept FD, Yu-Na Kim who is first lyrical skater ever whom I really love and Joannie Rochette whose short was well performed and coreographed. Lambiel's programs could have been great without his stumbles and Browning has really done well for Joubert, first time I rooted for him and so much I nearly couldn't watch.
Also I really, really think all three of Shpilband's couples shoud get choreography from somewhere else. At the moment Virtue/Moir and my absolute favourites Davis/White succeed despite of their programs not because of them. Both teams have the skills and charisma to be legendary, but the programs really let them down.
All in all, good championship.
Was Lepistö's rise from twenty-first to eight some kind of record in WC? The only problem with live Internet streams is that one can't record them. Oh, and there's another problem, sometimes the connection lets me down. Interesting to see next year's WC when there should be new girls coming up in the ladies' event if you believe the YLE's commentators.
Posted by: Manu | March 24, 2008 at 11:04