Is this the 'king' of France?
Is This the New King of France?
Just one week after the Grand Prix Final, France's Florent Amodio is back in action Friday looking to defend his national title and top veteran Brian Joubert. Will Amodio's electric Michael Jackson free skate be enough to top Joubert's technical firepower? Also this month, compelling match-ups in Japan and Russia.
Here's a look at the compelling match-ups at French, Japanese, and Russian Nationals. Just one week after the Grand Prix Final, France's Florent Amodio is back in action looking to defend his title and top veteran Brian Joubert. Meanwhile, Japan and Russia hold their highly competitive national championships over Christmas.
France
One of the Grand Prix Series' breakout stars Florent Amodio is the favorite for the men's title as the French Championships kick-off Friday in Tours. The 20-year-old qualified for the Final, while veteran teammate Brian Joubert fizzled out at home for Grand Prix of France.
A coaching change to Nikolai Morozov has improved reigning champ Amodio's consistency and vaulted him past the struggling Joubert.
The 26-year-old former world champion has a lot working against him at Nationals. He has not skated in the event since 2008 and as proven by Grand Prix of France, does not compete well at home.
However Joubert prefers to be the underdog and if he can hit the quad in both programs and hold it together in the free skate, his technical score could vault him past Amodio.
Source
Just one week after the Grand Prix Final, France's Florent Amodio is back in action Friday looking to defend his national title and top veteran Brian Joubert. Will Amodio's electric Michael Jackson free skate be enough to top Joubert's technical firepower? Also this month, compelling match-ups in Japan and Russia.
Here's a look at the compelling match-ups at French, Japanese, and Russian Nationals. Just one week after the Grand Prix Final, France's Florent Amodio is back in action looking to defend his title and top veteran Brian Joubert. Meanwhile, Japan and Russia hold their highly competitive national championships over Christmas.
France
One of the Grand Prix Series' breakout stars Florent Amodio is the favorite for the men's title as the French Championships kick-off Friday in Tours. The 20-year-old qualified for the Final, while veteran teammate Brian Joubert fizzled out at home for Grand Prix of France.
A coaching change to Nikolai Morozov has improved reigning champ Amodio's consistency and vaulted him past the struggling Joubert.
The 26-year-old former world champion has a lot working against him at Nationals. He has not skated in the event since 2008 and as proven by Grand Prix of France, does not compete well at home.
However Joubert prefers to be the underdog and if he can hit the quad in both programs and hold it together in the free skate, his technical score could vault him past Amodio.
Source