Daisuke remains flawless, Unimagine remains heartbroken
BEIJING, Dec. 12 (AP) - (Kyodo)-World champion Daisuke Takahashi has refused to use a bruising collision with Takahiko Kozuka as an excuse for his lackluster showing at the Grand Prix Final.
Takahashi was tipped as the favorite to bring Japan its first men's gold medal in the elite year-ending GP event in Beijing, but dropped to fourth from third after the short program after twice falling during an error-filled free skate on Saturday.
Kozuka accidentally clattered into Takahashi and sent him crashing to the ice during practice on Thursday and was on the verge of tears during Saturday's press conference, blaming himself for what he believed had damaged Takahashi's bid for glory.
But speaking to Kyodo News after taking part in Sunday's closing exhibition, Takahashi, who was left with a sore neck and lower back, insisted he only had himself to blame for failing to land the title.
"I had the chance to win the final but I blew it and this has made me painfully aware that I'm not a good enough skater. I've just got to regroup and put in the work in practice," said Takahashi.
"I was in a bit of pain but it wasn't such a serious injury, just a bit of bruising. I still should have had the fortitude and physical strength to be able to deliver a good performance. This has probably been a good lesson for me," he said.
He added, "It was the first time for me (to be involved in such an accident). I was surprised but there was no malice involved. It was just a bit unfortunate. It's over now and we just have to move on."
Canada's Patrick Chan came from behind to win the gold medal, beating Japan's Nobunari Oda, who botched his opening quad and placed second. Kozuka was third.
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;_____; Well, at least he's not injured. It's good that he sees everything as a learning experience. Please regroup for the rest of the season Dai-chan! "I'm not a good enough skater" = knife. in. my. heart.
also: takasuke, I ship it.
Takahashi was tipped as the favorite to bring Japan its first men's gold medal in the elite year-ending GP event in Beijing, but dropped to fourth from third after the short program after twice falling during an error-filled free skate on Saturday.
Kozuka accidentally clattered into Takahashi and sent him crashing to the ice during practice on Thursday and was on the verge of tears during Saturday's press conference, blaming himself for what he believed had damaged Takahashi's bid for glory.
But speaking to Kyodo News after taking part in Sunday's closing exhibition, Takahashi, who was left with a sore neck and lower back, insisted he only had himself to blame for failing to land the title.
"I had the chance to win the final but I blew it and this has made me painfully aware that I'm not a good enough skater. I've just got to regroup and put in the work in practice," said Takahashi.
"I was in a bit of pain but it wasn't such a serious injury, just a bit of bruising. I still should have had the fortitude and physical strength to be able to deliver a good performance. This has probably been a good lesson for me," he said.
He added, "It was the first time for me (to be involved in such an accident). I was surprised but there was no malice involved. It was just a bit unfortunate. It's over now and we just have to move on."
Canada's Patrick Chan came from behind to win the gold medal, beating Japan's Nobunari Oda, who botched his opening quad and placed second. Kozuka was third.
source
;_____; Well, at least he's not injured. It's good that he sees everything as a learning experience. Please regroup for the rest of the season Dai-chan! "I'm not a good enough skater" = knife. in. my. heart.
also: takasuke, I ship it.