Mao News - The 2016 - 2017 Season!

I watched Mao's FS live stream! The program was beautiful, in my opinion!

I'm happy that she received the highest PCS of the night, but I still think she deserves 70+.

In addition, it definitely shows that Mao's TES is lacking in competitive elements, but I understand that she is taking it slow. I'm just glad she looks confident and relaxed throughout the entire competition!

Here is her FS!

Interesting music, great choreography - but the judges saw none of it.
I think the Lutz will be reliably clean with positive GOE by the end of the season.
She only went for 4 triples though, hopefully that is not indicative of an injury or fatigue.

BelieveInMaoself wrote:

Interesting music, great choreography - but the judges saw none of it.
I think the Lutz will be reliably clean with positive GOE by the end of the season.
She only went for 4 triples though, hopefully that is not indicative of an injury or fatigue.

I'm staying positive. I think the judges saw it, but since it's early on in the season, they may be hesitant in awarding more PCS points. (I am appalled though about that one judge that gave her 6's during her SP program.) We've seen Mao attack her programs more, which means she still has much to show!

The fact that she only went for 4 triples says a lot. She still has the ability to accumulate more points, and she's said it over and over again in interviews and news articles that she's taking it slow.

Overall, I'm just happy that she's off to a fine start.

Here is the protocol!

OH MY GOSH. Again, that same judge!

http://www.figureskatingresults.fi/results/1617/CSFIN2016/CSFIN2016_Ladies_FS_Scores.pdf

She had one of the greatest comebacks and strongest starts of a season at the JO last year, but the illnesses took a toll.

As far as "that one judge", I think there is some kind of rule now that outlier scores will result in a suspension of the judge. (But the ISU doesn't follow it's own rules anyway.)

It seems Mao is going to Canada to brush up the programs after this competition.
I think it’s a good idea since Skate America will start in only two weeks.
Take care of your body, Mao!

http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/sports/list/201610/CK2016100802000254.html

According to this article, coach Sato says that
the reason for Mao’s lack of conditioning is her left knee injury.
She has been suffering from it since last season that makes her
unable to practice difficult jumps.

http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/1722021.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nikkansports_ogp

Mao ...  

silenceisgolden wrote:

She has been suffering from it since last season that makes her
unable to practice difficult jumps.

Like how far back?

I wonder if this is the same injury that kept her out of the 4CC?

Another article says it’s ‘before WC’, so perhaps it is the same injury.

http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20161009/ska16100911320001-n1.html

It also says that the choreography change with Lori will be
for making it a bit more comfortable for her body.

Recent posts I made after seeing Mao skate her freeksate and practice at Finlandia Trophy.
Of course, Mao was underscored. It is nothing new and it was more difficult to have to see her held down and "lose" by one point live. Mao is suffering from a knee injury just as she did last season and that is why she did not attempt the triple axel and why she is having trouble doing loop and toe jumps, though I saw her hit the triple flip and loop several times in practice and warmup. She just doesn't have the stamina to keep it up for long because of the injury. Mao has also switched to skates with a single blade that are lighter and supposed to be more durable, but no other skater currently uses them. I was so excited that during the lap around the rink I held out my hand and Mao gave me five as she skated by but so did a couple of other skaters.

I posted a lot of photos at the following site. Click on the picture to get a super zoom as they are high resolution jpegs converted from raw files.

http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/the-mao-cheer-thread-3-for-the-love-of-skating.99143/page-7  181  

I have several other posts on the same page.

She lost because her PCS was held back. She only needed about 0.4 in the short and 0.8 in the free to win.

BelieveInMaoself wrote:

She lost because her PCS was held back. She only needed about 0.4 in the short and 0.8 in the free to win.

I totally agree. Given recent inflation, Mao should have had more than 15 points more or 20 considering the Worlds outrageous scores. EVEN UNDER ISU scoring, Mao would have been scored more than 20 points more in PCS if the same standard for scoring were used as a year to 3 years ago for Evgenia, Ashley and Gracie. The idea of "event specific" PCS is a false flag diverting people's attention from obvious manipulation. Her triple lutz was totally clean. She barely touched the ice with her inside blade and easily whipped around more than most of the women who have a lot more pre-rotation and plant most of their inside blade in the ice. I was sitting within 10 meters of her when she did it. Yet, the best Mao got was a ! for a great jump.
Her GOE were also held down. Mao only received level 3 on her step sequence in both programs and level 3 on her spins. Mao-the woman praised as the best dancer and ballerina consistently getting lower levels than a number of other skaters last season is now not even granted level 4. I guess seeing Mao skate in person has roused my emotions a lot more because my eyes were captivated by Mao's movements and jumps in comparison to the other skaters during the LP warmup. The ISU is too obtuse and tied to federation arrangements since it has a legacy of following its clueless leader, Cinquanta, who said he didn't understand anything about figure skating. So heavy pumping of the shoulders and body around the ice is considered "superior" to smooth gliding strokes because the ISU has been monopolized by speed skaters. The draconian deduction of -2 for a slight pivot of the skate on Mao's triple flip in the short was enough to make the difference alone.

Here is a post from goldenskate that adds another twist to it.  This poster is somewhere in between. They are not a huge Mao fan.  
Originally Posted by psusanne  View Post

I've changed my mind about the placements after watching rewatching the skates.
Mao should have won and either Anna or Katelyn should be in 2nd place. Reason? Katelyn underrotated her 3T in the combo. I don't think that Anna underrotated her 3T in the combo, but anyway, I would have Mao in first, with a conservative, but very beautiful skate, it's a beautiful program and it's nice seeing her skate it without pressure. And I've no doubt that both programs are only going to get better and better.

  http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?60792-2016-Finlandia-Trophy-Ladies-FS/page34&p=1503664#post1503664

I did notice that Katelyn was not fully rotating her jumps. By contrast, I am confident that Mao received overly harsh ur calls just as she received an overly harsh ! and an overly harsh -2 on the triple flip in the SP.         

Then, there is this post by a Russian poster with 10 likes. I call it a "Trankov moment" like when he said live on Russian TV that Mao gave the performance that only an Olympic champion could do and that she would have been Olympic champion but for her short program with the other announcer trying to get him to take back his words yet finished with 5th place PCS and 6th place GOE in long, not to mention bogus tech calls so in effect she was really given an even lower GOE and PCS. It was a no holds barred attempt to drop the scores.  wsamkrut@mail.ru :  

10  Thumbs Up!
What a disappointing event. I did not expect such a shaky skating from Anna. May be she just had a bad day. For me Mao was the best.  

Let's not forget in Mao's last competition the most watched performance of the entire Worlds event received 7th place in that segment of the competition with a performance that my mom said was the most beautiful one she had ever seen, even though she is not really a Mao fan. So, Mao's "shock" underscoring was set up already.      

Katelyn did skate well until putting her hand down and doing a turn out of a triple jump and then doing a double with a ur more obvious than any that were called on Mao, which I still don't see. It is ridiculous the lengths the ISU goes to make Mao lose. It reminds me of an arch villain like the Joker while she is like the skating instead of the caped crusader. The horrible judging of her programs has already damaged the ISU's reputation a whole lot. This is already adding more fuel to the fire under youtube videos of the performances. Mao had a couple of jump doubled some jumps, but Mao's performance was far better in terms of the quality of skating, depth and range of expression, artistry, footwork, fluid and musical movement though she received no real advantage for it and her tech scores and transition scores were obviously deflated as they almost always are.

I hope you will enjoy looking at the pictures of Mao at the site I posted. It just takes so much time for me to post them the way it is done here.

Mao gave me five while I held out my hand during her lap with the medalist so I felt really good about that. But, I didn't try to talk to her. I secretly set a big bear (not a real one) in a bag on the ice for her when a Japanese lady set something at the same time. There were a lot of Japanese people there.

Here are the photos I took at Finlandia Trophy for Mao's practice and freeskate. I love this program more and more every time I watch it.

I know I get emotional when I make posts, but when I know someone whose performances means so much is receiving injustice I simply have no patience. One judge even dared to give Mao an average of 6 in PCS for all categories and evidently she received more overly harsh ur calls.

I wish Mao the best for recovery from her knee injury and look forward to seeing what I think is already an artistic masterpiece in the making - her freeksate and I love her SP too. Mao immediately went back to Canada to jazz up this fabulously sizzling and sinuous program even more. As usual, Mao's performances have received the most views of the season. This is the true value of her performances.    

I read a garbled translation of Mao's comments and she was apparently disappointed after her freeskate, though I am not exactly sure because it is hard to tell from google translate. The words remorse and wry smile were used to describe her feelings and she also evidently said that she was unable to control the tension she felt.

It was freezing in the arena so that worked on everyone's nerves and I think it was obvious that her jump slips were due to the injury in her knee, but the more I watch the slips fade away with Mao's dazzling and alluring interpretation.

Practice
http://extrazoom.com/image-69589.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69590.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69592.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69591.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69543.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69542.html Mao appears to be in some pain or not feeling well here. I hope she recovers from her injury quickly.

http://extrazoom.com/image-69540.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69538.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69537.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69530.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69531.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69563.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69555.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69556.html

Freeskate and warmup The red just pops off the screen.

http://extrazoom.com/image-69570.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69554.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69573.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69559.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69572.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69595.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69566.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69629.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69630.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69557.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69560.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69597.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69588.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69564.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69565.html I think Mao is cute but tough when she jumps.

http://extrazoom.com/image-69566.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69581.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69574.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69577.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69580.html

Podium

http://extrazoom.com/image-69582.

There are some more photos I will put up.

Wow, thank you for the great photoes!!
They are impressive.
We can zoom !!!

Thanks whiteboots. Here are some more. I should have moved to the kiss and cry side to get some better photos of Mao on the podium. I really regret that I didn't. Mao was so gorgeous in her freeskate dress.

More photos of Mao.

Podium  Mao was the real winner.

http://extrazoom.com/image-69940.html

Afternoon Practice

http://extrazoom.com/image-69691.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69687.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69692.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69712.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69711.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69693.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69697.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69698.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69699.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69702.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69703.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69704.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69705.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69706.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69707.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69709.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69710.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69713.html

Warmup and Freeskate

http://extrazoom.com/image-69714.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69715.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69715.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69716.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69717.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69718.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69719.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69720.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69721.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69722.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69723.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69728.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69726.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69725.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69724.html

http://extrazoom.com/image-69739.html

Mao's long program performance was expressive, mature and so alluring with fleet staccato footwork full of finesse, twirling pirouettes, beguiling expressions and sinuous movements that enticed and cast a spell with its resemblance to classical snake charming music. The effect of the deep red dress on Mao is fiery and sensuous and totally gorgeous.  This is a skating display full of consummate femininity with a lyrical interlude that adds a hint of innocence. According to the The Skating Lesson, Mao said this about her short and long program performances in translation. "In the short program, my costume is black, and I express a black swan that turns into a mysterious lady with magical power, a witch. In the long, the lady does a passionate dance, very intense and feminine, wearing a red costume. I want to express a mature lady, something I couldn't do in the past and something the younger skaters cannot do." Yet, for this sophisticated performance with great skating skills and a beguiling display full of enticing feminine charisma Mao barely received 65 points in PCS, which considering the latest PCS inflation is a travesty, a scoring inversion, and insult to great skating, just as Mao's score for her Madame Butterfly at Worlds and for her Sochi LP were underscored. Katelyn did skate fairly well, but she clearly had a ur on her backend 3F / 3T which was overlooked and this combined with Mao's underscoring make Mao the clear winner. I was in the arena and it was bone chilling cold that night so I think this is why so many skaters had problems with nerves when it came to jumps. I hope Mao is able to overcome her knee injury quickly.

Please take a look at the comments beneath Mao's LP performance to see the great contrast between the ISU's insulting scoring and the great praise for Mao's performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qZ9aX5Xbxg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmJ-BOrzgr8

Wow!!
It was so impressive to read your description about Mao's SP and LP. Especially about her expressive foot work. I wanted to describe about it but my vocabulary was not enough to do so. Thank you, wowmao, I appriciate your help to explain Mao's staccato footwork and so on. GO MAO!!

I am really excited to think about Mao's unbreakable spirits and also fairly well-organaized programs.
Her power of eyes is so attractive.

Mao is still winning the numbers game really big when it comes to youtube videos and this isn't even including her incredible exhibition.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmJ-BOrzgr8 Mao's LP program at Finlandia - 136, 091 views Likes 461 Dislikes 67

2nd most https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qZ9aX5Xbxg another video 100, 408 views Likes 575 Dislikes 45

3rd most https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ueR76uyrPs 90,638 views Likes 369 Dislikes 26


over 10 likes for every dislike and almost 310,000 views for a program performance a week ago

Evgenia Medvedeva Japan Open
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ueR76uyrPs 59, 567 views 448 likes and 135 dislikes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODWDSUU-7vw 14, 210 views 82 likes and 34 dislikes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oheKfyZEroA 9,780 views 138 likes and 26 dislikes

performed two weeks ago

Thanks for uploading the great photos from the article, silenceisgolden.

Thanks to rosewood for this translation and these photos. Here are some beautiful natural photos of Mao arriving in Chicago for Skate America, along with an article.

http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/inde...g.99143/page-7 201 and 202

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/new...013569570.html
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/new...013569480.html
http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/p...1726649-0.html

Mao: "I won't do 3A here either." "[My condition is] better than at Finlandia Trophy. Hopefully I'll up my condition a bit more.""Having done my first competition already makes me relaxed in my feelings. If I reach my goals here, it'll lead me to the next."

ETA:
When Mao was asked about her left knee, she answered "[My knee is] fine." But as we know, she never says excuses. So I'm not sure we can trust this "fine." We'll see at SKAM. I'm excited how Lori and Mao brushed up the programs. Wish it lightened burdens to her injury.

This article also says Mao selectively practiced spins and stsq. So I kind of think her back is not that bad - like she's unable to practice spins at the stage of preparations, anyways.
http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/1726649.html

WowMao wrote:

Thanks for uploading the great photos from the article, silenceisgolden.

Thanks to rosewood for this translation and these photos. Here are some beautiful natural photos of Mao arriving in Chicago for Skate America, along with an article.

http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/inde...g.99143/page-7 201 and 202

http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/new...013569570.html
http://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/new...013569480.html
http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/p...1726649-0.html

Mao: "I won't do 3A here either." "[My condition is] better than at Finlandia Trophy. Hopefully I'll up my condition a bit more.""Having done my first competition already makes me relaxed in my feelings. If I reach my goals here, it'll lead me to the next."

ETA:
When Mao was asked about her left knee, she answered "[My knee is] fine." But as we know, she never says excuses. So I'm not sure we can trust this "fine." We'll see at SKAM. I'm excited how Lori and Mao brushed up the programs. Wish it lightened burdens to her injury.

This article also says Mao selectively practiced spins and stsq. So I kind of think her back is not that bad - like she's unable to practice spins at the stage of preparations, anyways.
http://www.nikkansports.com/sports/news/1726649.html

She looks amazing in the pictures and it really highlights her amazing edgework, position and control just WOW

Clip of Mao's fiery step sequence dhttps://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/789180695981588480/pu/vid/1280x720/AwFm7ncL7TL2C6M1.mp4

Great pirouettes and silky smooth serpentine moves that are fleet and free like a dancing flame.  i Mao is in her own league for the woman when it comes to skating skills, artistry, and step sequences regardless of the ISU blatantly deflating her scores and upping them for its chosen favorites.

Here is Mao doing a beautiful triple flip and loop: https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/789186239253524480/pu/vid/1280x720/yAF7I_qV4Tuz95_c.mp4


Mao's runthrough without jumps from maybe 10-15 rows back on center ice.  She looks really fast here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vORz2iWxcDw

I have never loved the performances of skat

Here is a great insight into Mao's mindset. She is so charming and adorable in this interview in English. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5PMmvCj_6w&feature=share

Thanks to rosewood for this video. rosewood accurately pointed out that Mao misunderstood the question about the Olympic gold medal and thought they asked, "Do you want to go to the Olympics?|

WowMao wrote:

Here is a great insight into Mao's mindset. She is so charming and adorable in this interview in English. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5PMmvCj_6w&feature=share

Thanks to rosewood for this video. rosewood accurately pointed out that Mao misunderstood the question about the Olympic gold medal and thought they asked, "Do you want to go to the Olympics?|

even if she said she wanted gold, what's wrong with saying that everyone knows That Mao has won everything this spot has to offer except the Olympic gold, and when you only have one title left to win, it's natural to say she wants it. she is a multiple World champion, Grand Prix Final Champion, 4CC Champion, she has even won every gp that exists. She is more then Worthy and capable of winning it, so i see no reason why not to voice it out like she did, in fact most of the skating community would be thrilled to see her winn it, because we know she is a complete package and because longevity where she didn't just dissapear like all the others when they one a big title