Figure skatingAll eyes will be on Russian Plushenko

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The Rostelecom Cup this year signals the return of Russia’s Evgeni Plushenko who hasn’t been seen in ISU competition since winning his Olympic title in 2006. Although he is a fierce competitor, what remains to be seen is if he has been able to understand and adapt to the changes that have been evolving in the scoring system, particularly the components since he last competed.

His challenge for the top spot on the podium will come from American and 2008 world bronze medallist Johnny Weir, whose programs from choreographer David Wilson will no doubt take advantage of each and every scoring opportunity.

Takahiko Kozuka from Japan demonstrated last season that he is able to hold his own in the senior ranks with a bronze medal at last year’s Grand Prix Final, and is therefore not to be underestimated.

Although Japan’s Mao Asada skated to a silver medal at last weekend’s Trophee Eric Bompard, she showcased two entirely “beatable” programs, which will leave her vulnerable to teammate Miki Ando. As former world champions, both Japanese women are strong jumpers but are each prone to problems in their programs – Ando with nerves and Asada with lack of strong choreography. The spoiler in this event could be the current junior world champion from Russia, Alena Leonova, who placed an impressive seventh this year in her senior worlds debut.

There should be no contest in ice dance as the American team of Meryl Davis and Charlie White make this competition their first step towards the Olympic podium. The rest of the medals will come from the matchup between two other teams, both of whom need to have a strong start to the season. Italy’s Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte have shown promise but lack the muscle it will take to really dominate in the international field. However, they will likely medal here.

Canadians Vanessa Crone and Paul Poirier will be what could stand between the Italians and a silver medal as they continue to improve and mature, and will be competing a sophisticated flamenco original dance, which could propel them ahead of their rivals.

The pairs event is the start of the journey back to the podium for the 2006 world champions from China, Qing Pang and Jian Tong. They finished shy of the podium (fourth place) despite a solid win at the Grand Prix Final last season, and are eager to dominate the field. Current world bronze medalists from Russia, Yuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov, will not roll over, however, and are hoping to create their own momentum with a medal here.

Solidly in the mix for the podium are Canadians Mylene Brodeur and John Matattall, who are polished and ready. They have an admirable way of taking advantage and not crumpling at the opportunity to compete internationally.

There will be the live show of the event CBC Sports starting at 1:00pm ET.

Pj’s Picks:
Men: Johnny Weir, U.S.
Women: Miki Ando, Japan
Dance: Meryl Davis and Charlie White, U.S.
Pairs: Qing Pang and Jian Tong, China

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