Just a few comments about the Canadian Open Men's this weekend.
First of all this was my first competition to attend in Canada and I was wowed by a live Canadian audience - they all seem to cheer much louder for the skaters than American audiences do - and if the skater happens to be Canadian the roar can be deafening!
Men SP
Todd: As Fran has reported Todd's Cabaret SP was massively reorganized on the go. I was sitting in both the axel and lutz corner and the expression on his face as he hung onto the axel was one of pure relief quickly followed by a 'now what' kind of look. And his landing the lutz combo also sparked more relief as it was a combo he hadn't warmed up. As a result the program didn't have as much flair as it usually has, but I'd say it was more because Todd was concentrating so hard on rethinking the program than on expressing outward to the crowd.
The expression on Todd's face as he landed that axel really was something to see that close up. As he landed he threw out his arm to catch himself and at the last minute had enough leg strength not to put the hand down on the ice. You really could see the relief all over his face. Wendy, Lori and I were on the end by the kiss-n-cry in a row and managed to draft the older man next to us into holding the last D of the TODD sign (in exchange since I was on the end, I had to run down and throw flowers for Elvis).
Elvis: Even though he fell on the quad, his 3A-3T combo was a thing of beauty - very strong and powerful. The program went over well and he seemed happy despite the fall. I think it's one of the better SP programs he's had (though if he could just get rid of those flappy things on the shoulders of his costume all would be well)
Kurt: This was the most relaxed I've seen Kurt look when faced with a SP in the last few years. I think reworking Antares was a good idea as it was comfortable for Kurt and didn't have the stigma of already being a SP and thus making him more nervous. The jumps weren't up to the tech level of Todd or Elvis, but the footwork was a joy to behold.
Brian: As has been mentioned Brian went for the triple axel, but fell on the landing which was a shame as the jump looked nice and straight in the air. The crowd didn't care though and cheered for the attempt. Now while it didn't make the SP, in the warmups, Brian did land a triple axel that was just huge and it was wonderful to see him going for it after all this time.
Steven: Unfortunately the jumps just weren't with Steven and he seemed overly wobbly or nervous throughout the program. I like Steven, but the program just didn't work without the confidence.
Men IF
Steven: Came out in this amazingly bright purple shirt that had white lines and orange and green circles and triangles on it. I wasn't able to place the music, but it was lively and upbeat - if this is his SOI program it's really a winner. The jumps were better and he seemed much more relaxed and confident, but with all the other men skating so well he stayed in last place.
Brian: Used "Ebbtide" same as in Green Bay, but this time it really sang. Having seen it live at the Masters I wasn't all that impressed with it, but this time the passion was just overwhelming! The line and graceful flow of the program just highlights Brian's skills so well. lots of nice little footwork hops and the like as well as the backflip into triple-toe. He got a great crowd reaction and was all smiles as he made his way off ice. The highlight for me (which fellow Edgers can attest to me mumbling about for the rest of the night) was that I got down to the ice and got a hug and kiss from him when I haned him his beanie - that *really* made my night.
Todd: I have to admit to being one of the fans who thought that without "The Glory" that Todd was in trouble, especially with Kurt in second place. Seeing the 13th Warrior on tv from Skate Canada hadn't impressed me much, but this reworked version live is a stunner. Silent audience but I think they were so into the program that they weren't thinking of applauding and breaking the spell. And only Todd would choose to do two triple axels in a four triple program! The choroegraphy is also a treat as there are lots of interesting moves and steps in it.
Ok ok I have to admit it I like the 13th Warrior - it still can't beat out the Glory and isn't a top favorite, but seeing this version live and with the drama of a good skate for Todd it was really a good performance. The costume is growing on me but I still hate that waist sash and agree wholeheartedly with Jennifer that there are too many patterns in one outfit.
Elvis: Whoever told Elvis to keep the Kodo drums routine for an Interp free should be heartily thanked. And if anything the program has gotten better since I saw it in Binghampton last year. What I liked best though was that even though this was a competition, it seemed that Elvis was in exhibition mode so that he related much more to the crowd.
Kurt: Unfortunately Kurt came out and shot himself in the foot by using this program. When the program ended and the time was shown, there was lots of wondering just what would happen, but the judges were at leat honest in giving the required .3 -.4 deduction. Sadly Kurt's jumps didn't help too much as he two-footed at least one that I remember. *BUT* aside from that the program really was enjoyable. Yeah there's a bit more dancing in place than moving footwork, but the energry level is extremely high and it just grabs you and pulls you in. It's definitely worth seeing!
Final results were Todd, Elvis, Brian, Kurt, Steven. The award ceremony brought out the top three in each (which seemed a little dumb - why not at least bring out them all, it's not like there were tons of skaters!) I was down at the boards when the men came out and Brian was just beaming as he came out - you could really tell he was happy to be third.
