2009 World Figure Skating Championships - Women

Women

The Asian express juggernaut continues in the Women's event this year with strong odds going to either Mao Asada (JPN) or Yun-Na Kim (KOR) winning the crown.

2008 World Champion Asada is trying to reclaim her championship. She won the Grand Prix final but she is trying to bounce back from a less then stellar 3rd place performance at the Four Continents. She may have the triple axel but its her grace and joy that shine through.

Korea's Yun-Na Kim may be a slight favorite over Asada. The bronze medalist from the last two World Championships is coming of an impressive win at the Four Continents. Not quite as athletic as Asada, look for Kim to try to outdistance her rival in the artistic department.

Carolina Kostner of Italy is the reigning silver medalist but may be hard pressed to reach the podium this year. The 2007 and 2008 European Champion finished 2nd this year after a bad short. Consistancy is where she stuggles the most.

Joannie Rochette (CAN) is perhaps the breakout skater of year. After years of finishing just off the podium this could be the year that the 5 time Canadian championship can put it all together and reach a medal position. This year has seen a marked improvement in all aspects of her skating but possibly the greatest improvement has come in her confidence level. Joannie is coming off an impressive 2nd place finish over Asada at the Four Continents.

A side story in this event will be the American women. 2009 American Champion Alissa Czisny and Rachael Flatt will definately need much better performances then they had at the Four Continents in order to secure 3 spots for the Olympics. Nerves will be key with these two competitors.

Medal Picks:

Gold: Yun-Na Kim (KOR)
Silver: Mao Asada (JPN)
Bronze: Joannie Rochette (CAN)