I know there is a Vancouver thread in the Sport section but there have only been a few comments in there on the skating amid all the comments on the other sports.

Thought I would set this up as there were a few of us who discussed the Euro champs in here last month.

Did anyone see the pairs? I caught up with the recording earlier. The Chinese were fantastic but I have always liked the Germans & hope they win. They really looked to be back on form after the Euros when they were a bit below par.

I always used to prefer the Dance to the pairs but now i really prefer the pairs.

You have great taste Tiger Rose, I too love the Germans and want them to win. I love to watch Aliona, she is so light across the ice, you wouldn't know she was wearing ice-skates. She is beautiful and they are wonderful to watch but I think the Chinese will win

I thought the British couple did well too.

I enjoyed the Chinese couple - not sure if I saw the Germans or not.

I didn't think the Chinese were the best.

However the Brits were bloody poor compared to everyone else!

Who did you think were the best?

It's very close though so i don't think it's a given that the Chinese will win.

I have been watching as well. I tend to prefer the ice dancing as well but I was surprised by how much I got into the pairs last night. Robin's commentary was also interesting (there was another thread on here talking about that) even though I normally prefer the Eurosport coverage.

I thought it was interesting watching two of the Chinese couples (I missed the Chinese couple who are currently leading... must YouTube them). I really liked the artistry Pang & Tong had, while the Zhangs still felt a bit mechanical to me. I'm far from an expert at these things though!

I'm looking forward to seeing Daisuke Takahashi in the men's, 'cause I really loved his stuff in the worlds a few years ago, but he was out of the whole last season so this is the first time I'll have seen him in ages. Don't know if he has the best technical ability but I love his dancing. I'm also interested in seeing Plushenko 'cause I've never seen him before. Only got into ice skating in the last few years.

Thanks for setting up this thread Tiger Rose

I'm really looking forward to the skating during the Olympics. Bummer about the huge time difference. I understand the ice dancing or pairs skating got under way last night and there is more action in the early hours of the morning......I don't suppose anyone knows if there is a certain time during the day that the Beeb or Eurosport gives us the highlights as I'm most probably going to be in bed when it's on Live!

I liked the german pair, and the russians (with the lass who looked Chinese)

I've been looking up the schedules because I need to get my sleeping patterns sorted for college after half term... really can't afford to keep staying up so late.

Here you can read the schedules for when everything is in our time: http://winterolympics.external.bbc.c...les/index.html

And here shows you what time stuff is repeated on the red button coverage (which is a god send): http://news.bbc.co.uk/sol/shared/bsp...g/html/epg.stm

I think most of the figure skating is repated at more social times of day on the red button coverage.

You're a star - cheers Hamster

Can't wait for Plushenko - I understand you'll be seeing him in action for the first time - you're in for a treat! So charismatic and artistic.

Just like our Hayley

A bit OTT yellowlabbie. (Am sure you're being sarcastic though)

Plushenko is amazing. He was brilliant at the Europeans - looked like he'd never been away. I think the Americans will give him a run for his money though.

I'm a bit out the loop with who's who these days. Only familiar with the Europeans.

Haven't watched religiously in recent years as I once did.

But I do love Plushenko and Carolina Kostner. Wish Irina Slutskeya would make a come back too!

As for the Ice Dancing, I hope the judges haven't made up their minds about how to place the couples already. It seemed they did that in the Europeans by awarding first place to the Russians. I was hoping when the new scoring system was introduced, we'd see more movement in the finishing positions but I'm not sure it's happening.

No, I am not being sarcastic, I think Hayley is very charismatic, on different level to Plushenko but still charismatic. And yes, Plushenko is amazing, I would love him to win too.

Waves to Sid.
Thought the pairs were great today. Didn't agree with the position of the second Chinese couple but what do I know?
I remember Plushenko in the winning Eurovision song a couple of years ago.

Yes, I love Carolina too.

I liked the second American pair as well as the first chinese pair and the Russian pair (the girl looked oriental).

I actually really enjoyed the whole thing although my bliddy pvr cut out while the last couple were on.

*waves back*

I think I prefer pairs to the ice dancing.


She has an English coach doesn't she?

I'm glad she's on form again.

When I was following her progress a couple of years ago, she kept choking on the big occasions and I thought what a waste of talent.

She's another who has natural artistic ability. She doesn't need to try to sell the routine. She feels the music and dances with soul (yes, like Hayley!).

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree with your last paragraph.

I love the German pairs couple, I'd love to see them win. However the Chinese have an amazing grace and flow over the ice.

I'm off to Vancouver in a few days to watch the Ice Dance, so will be cheering John & Sinead on live! (not the other couple, they're there instead of my coach which I'm not happy about!). That could be a close competition, but anything in the top 6 for John & Sinead would be great. I'd love for them to get a medal, they've got an awesome FD routine that'll go down well in Canada!

I too am looking forward to seeing what Plushenko comes up with, he was incredible at the Euro's. Joubert is gonna have to up his game. And when you throw Weir & Lysacek into the mix, that's looking a fab contest!

Have a great time Rachel29. Am very jealous. I always enjoy watching the Kerrs but don't think they are technically good enough to get a medal. As you say, top 6 would be a good achievement.

I loved the part when Robin called the American chap "oafish" - obviously sat too near Jason for too long

I know what he meant though - he just couldn't find the right word (ahem)

What a closely fought battle for gold in the pairs final!

Both Chinese couples really stepped up and made minimal mistakes.

My personal favourites were the Russian pair. I know they made errors, but their routine was so exciting and they finished with such a flourish. Also love the Germans - always have - they display such originality in their lifts and I find their programmes very moving. But their jumps aren't up to scratch.

Enjoy the ice dancing Rachel you lucky devil!

I know the Chinese couple won. Who came 2nd and third?