Skate America Preview

The second half of the Grand Prix season starts this weekend in Portland, Oregon for Skate America. Here is a brief rundown of the major players.

Men

It is possible that Japan could sweep the podium in Oregon with Daisuke Takahashi, Nobunari Oda and Daisuke Murakami all competing. Murakami is a long-shot though and there are plenty of other skaters who may have something to say about a Japan sweep. The main contender being Adam Rippon, looking to build on his bronze medal performance at Skate Canada. Also look out for his american team-mate Steven Carriere and Denis Ten of Kazakstan. The men's field in Portland is young but full of talent.

Women
No need to create a montage of the medal contenders in the ladies event - they are the medallists from NHK trophy - Carolina Kostner, Rachael Flatt and Kanako Murakami. Also keep an eye on Elene Gedevanishvilli and Amelie Lacoste as surprise challengers. Min-Jeong Kwak will try to make up for her disasterous showing last week in China.

Pairs

Former world champions Savchenko & Szolkowy make their season debut in Portland. They are easily the most decorated and experienced team there but are still coming back from an inconsistent and disappointing olympic season. They will face some challenge from the young chinese Sui & Han who are on a roll from last weeks silver in Beijing and looking to qualify for the senior AND junior grand prix finals. Tony at Flutzing Around has a great post on this unusual possibility here. The other main medal contenders are America's own Denney & Barret, who unlike the chinese will not have jet-lag to battle!

Dance

Undoubtedly the favourites here are olympic silver medallists Davis & White. As at NHK they will be joined by their young team-mates Maia & Alex Shibutani. Also looking for a medal and to wrap up their place at the final are Skate Canada champions Crone & Poirier. Longer shots for a medal are the Russians Riazanova & Tkachenko and Canadians Weaver & Poje.