Cup of China: What we learned

Skaters competed in the Cup of China, the third stop on the Grand Prix series. With three events down and three to go before the final, the Olympic picture is becoming clearer in some disciplines and murkier in others. The return of Torino medalists continues to shake up the standings and in front of a home crowd in China, three-time world champions Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo made their statement for the only title they lack: Olympic champions. Below, this and other things we learned at the Grand Prix series' halfway point.

Top men played it safe
Japan's Nobunari Oda claimed his second gold medal of the series and solidified a spot at the Grand Prix Final in his home country. Following his first victory in France, Oda said he intended to add a quad to his free skate for event two. Skating last after clean performance by American Evan Lysacek, Oda relied on eight high-quality triples (though singling a planned triple Axel) to best Lysacek. The reigning world champion also opted against the quad, landing seven triples and showing off new feather enhanced Vera Wang costumes.

While it's been proven that quads are not necessary to win (the past two world champions did not attempt quads to win the title), after Russian Yevgeny Plushenko made quads look easy last week in Russia, it is interesting that men who are capable of the jump are playing it safe in these pre-Olympic events. If there was ever a time to get some mileage on the quad, the Grand Prix series would seem to be it. Mistakes are less forgiveable and competitions only gain importance as the Olympic season progresses. It remains to be seen if those who back away from the quad on the Grand Prix will add it later. Lysacek told icenetwork.com, "Whether I do it or not is going to depend on my own consistency, but I think in Vancouver someone will skate two clean programs with a quad. I think that person will win. And I would love for it to be me." To quad or not to quad is still the question.

Nagasu and Flatt have work to do
American Mirai Nagasu won the short program and appeared to have recovered from growing pains and an ankle injury that set her back last season. The 2008 U.S. champion looked mature and determined, but in the free skate resorted back to old habits. In the Kiss & Cry following her performance Nagasu appeared to see the bad news coming, telling coach Frank Carroll, "I just want to go home and practice again." The 16-year-old was downgraded (penalized for under-rotation) on five jumps, giving away at least 15 valuable points. She dropped off the podium to fifth and now has three weeks to "go home and practice" before Skate Canada in November.

American Rachael Flatt is known for her consistency, but was uncharacteristically sloppy last week. The two-time U.S. silver medalist finished fourth, but gave away easy points with weak jump landings and imperfect spins and spirals. Three events into the Grand Prix series and Ashley Wagner is the only American lady with a medal, finishing second at Grand Prix of Russia. (She goes for a second medal this week in Japan.)

Shen and Zhao are back and ready to contend
Two-time Olympic bronze medalists Shen Xue & Zhao Hongbo followed Yevgeny Plushenko's lead and made an impressive comeback of their own in front of an adoring home crowd in Beijing. Upon announcing their comeback, questions arose whether or not 30-year-old Shen and 36-year-old Zhao could overcome injuries to reclaim their spot at the top. (They stepped away from amateur skating after claiming their third world title in 2007, when Zhao proposed to Shen on the ice following their free skate.) Last week they proved they are capable of claiming the elusive Olympic gold - showing off their impressive throw jumps and bringing passion back to pairs skating.

The married couple is unmatched in its ability to relate to one another and draw in an audience, a quality two-time and reigning world champions Aliona Savchenko & Robin Szolkowy of Germany often lack. If Shen & Zhao can continue to overcome nagging injuries and perform to this standard, they are certainly favorites for Olympic gold.

Of note...
Five-time U.S. champions Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto easily won gold in their season debut. In their religious-themed free dance, Belbin showed off improved individual skating skills and the team executed impressive new lifts. Belbin did not appear happy with their scores, but they have two weeks to make improvements before Skate America. The team's first major test comes at the Grand Prix Final in early December where they will likely meet Canadians Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir and teammates Meryl Davis & Charlie White.