The pairs competion will see the rivalry between the Germans and the Russians.
Savchenko/Szolkowy (GER) are the reigning world champions and ne of the favourite teams to win this year. Gold is going be contended by Savchenko/Szolkowy and Volosozhar/Trankov (RUS), the newly crowned European champions.
The two teams faced twice (during World Championships and Grand Prix Final 2011), in both competitions the Germans won.
While Volosozhar/Trankov have competed with consistancy all year long, Savchenko/Szolkowy struggled during fall season because of their attempt to land a throw triple axel. Because of this jump, Aliona Savchenko caused a knee injury that forced the team to skip European Championships.
Two other Russian teams can battle for a podium finish.
Kavaguti/Smirnov, already world medalists, did not attend European Championships too, but seem to be on form now.
Kavaguti/Smirnov at Mishin's Cup 10/3/2012 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29_8eUwhkwg&context=C47f2c86ADvjVQa1PpcFPLDtJaNjXMS0ajUs0_CJlbYbBXbOqrou8=
Bazarova/Larionov earned the silver medal at European Championships this year. They have been struggling with side by side jumps lately, but shine on throw jumps, twist and lifts.
Last year's world bronze medalists, Pang/Tong of China didn't compete all year long but they are supposed to skate at World Championships. They are one of the most elegant and artistically gifted couple of the bunch and we expect them to be top contenders.
Take a look on the younger Chinese team Sui/Han who had already won Four Continents Championships and World Junior Championships this year by nailing a superb technical content including a quad twist and a throw quad salchow.
PODIUM PICKS:
Gold: Volosozhar/Trankov (RUS)Silver: Savchenko/Szolkowy (GER)
Bronze: Pang/Tong (CHN)
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