Figure skatingSeason debuts highlight Cup of China

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What makes this event interesting is the season debut of skaters in all four disciplines who are among the favourites for the Olympic podium.

The event in China signals the return to competition of two-time Olympic pairs bronze medallists and three-time world champions from China, Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao, who have not competed since 2007. They are hoping to qualify for their fourth consecutive Olympic berth, and will no doubt have their work cut out for them despite being sentimental and crowd favourites.

The couple will most likely be challenged here by teammates and 2006 Olympic silver medallists, Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang. For the remaining spot on the podium look to Ukraine’s Tatiana Volosozhar and Stanislav Morozov or Canadians Meaghan Duhamel and Craig Buntin to challenge for the spot.

Lysacek focused on Olympic gold

Defending world champion Evan Lysacek of the U.S., is also looking for a win, wasting no time in announcing his Olympic gold quest in his season debut. He is looking to continue the momentum he created in the latter part of last season culminating in his world title in Los Angeles.

Lysacek will be challenged by Japan’s Nobunari Oda, whose win in France two weeks ago makes him a viable threat.

The dark horses will be Samuel Contesti of Italy, who was the 2009 silver Europeans medallist and has the potential to be brilliant. Last but not least is 16-year-old Denis Ten of Kazakhstan, who still may be a season or two away from the top spot, but was more than impressive in his eighth place showing at his first worlds last March.

Rochette ready for next step

Canada’s five-time champion and defending world silver medallist, Joannie Rochette, should be the favourite in her first Grand Prix event of the season. Other notables include Fumie Suguri of Japan, Carolina Kostner of Italy and Kiira Korpi of Finland, who could rise to the challenge but who all perform inconsistently under pressure.

Rochette’s real challenge will come from the American Rachael Flatt. The 17-year-old burst on to the scene a year and half ago, winning the 2008 world junior title and then finishing fifth in her first senior worlds in Los Angeles.

In ice dance, it will be a two-way fight between four time world medallists and 2006 Olympic silver medallists Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto of the U.S., and the defending European champions from Russia: Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitski.

Among the challengers are the European silver medallists from Italy, Federica Faiella and Massimo Scali, who continue to move up the ranks with an eighth place finish at worlds. Also in the mix and looking to add to their bronze medals from the Trophee Eric Bompard event two weeks ago in Paris are the brother and sister team of Sinead and John Kerr from Great Britain.

Pj’s Picks
Men: Evan Lysacek USA
Ladies: Joannie Rochette CAN
Pairs:Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao CHN
Dance:Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto USA

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