2013-2014 National Championships Round-Up

A number of countries held their national championships over the last few weeks.  Here's a look-see at the two major ones (Japan and Russia) and a few of the minor ones as well.

Japanese National Championships

I never would have predicted these results!

Around the World in Skating: December 18, 2013

A few things here and there have made the news over the past week or so.  To be honest it's mostly rumors and hearsay, but there are some facts in there somewhere.  Just don't quote me on any of this...

Mirai Nagasu Training in Japan

A result of Mura's tutelage?

End of Grand Prix Power Rankings: 2013-2014

Now that the regular season is over, we have an accurate snapshot to base the second half of the season on.  Of course things can and often do change once the year rolls over so nothing is set in stone. However, based on what we've seen so far and what we expect to see in the next few weeks, here are my power rankings for the top ten ladies:

10. Anna Pogorilaya (RUS)   

2013-2014 Grand Prix Final & Junior Grand Prix Final: Ladies Reviews + Yu-Na Kim's Debut at 2013 Golden Spin of Zagreb

I picked a terrible week to go on vacation!  So much skating has happened in the last week or so, but no worries...I'm going to cover it all.  I'll start with the Grand Prix Final, then look at the Junior Grand Prix Final and wrap up with the debut of Yu-Na Kim at Golden Spin of Zagreb.  Let's get to it!

2013 Grand Prix Final

A glimpse of things to come.  Maybe...maybe not.

2013 Rostelecom Cup: Ladies Review & Grand Prix Final Standings

Every season there's at least one competition where the judging raises eyebrows.  Last year it was Mao Asada's controversial win over Akiko Suzuki at NHK; this year it's the judging at Rostelecom Cup.  Terrible judging...just terrible...

Ahh, nothing like hometown scoring to make you feel good

2013 Trophee Eric Bompard: Ladies Review

The penultimate event of the Grand Prix season did not disappoint.  With a mini rivalry/feud brewing and trips to the Grand Prix Final on the line, the top competitors brought their "A" game.

All three As brought their "A" game!

2013 NHK Trophy: Ladies Review

And just like that we're already in the second half of the Grand Prix season.  NHK Trophy is always a big deal because Japan is where figure skating is the most popular.  It's the most exciting place to skate and, thankfully, NHK didn't disappoint this year...at least not too much.

Mao and Elena are on a roll!