8th- Takahiko Kozuka, Age: 20, Country: Japan, Short Program Score: 79.59, Personal Best: 83.90 in 2008, Music: Bold as Love by Jimmy Hendricks
Coached by the father of World Champion Yuka Sato, Kozuka is the 2006 World Junior Champion. Here, his clean triple lutz, triple toe loop combo opened up a nice program. His interesting footwork was as performance-worthy as competitive, although he seemed to have lost a little steam in the middle of his final combination spin. Unfortunately, a slight two-foot on the landing of his triple Axel pushed him off the leader board.
9th- Michal Brezina, Age: 19, Country: Czech Republic, Short Program Score: 78.80, Personal Best: 79.60 in 2010, Music: Puttin’ on the Ritz by Irving Berlin
He was the 2009 World Junior Silver Medalist and no problems with his jumps, let me tell you – this kid can fly! His edging is not lost either, and he seems to be developing an effective understanding of musical interpretation. He’s going to be around in this sport for a long time.
10th- Denis Ten, Age: 16, Country: Kazakhstan, Short Program Score: 76.24, Personal Best: 75.45 in 2009, Music: Sing Sing Sing by Louis Prima
This young phenom had no deductions in his powerful Olympic debut. In fact, three slight deductions seemed to be his only flaws: The GRade of Execution (GOE) was downgraded on his triple Lutz, triple toe combo and triple flips, as well as his change-foot spin. But we're not complaining. This kid is holding his own with the men of figure skating and is likely to lead in the near future.
11th- Florent Amodio, 19, Country: France, Short Program Score: 75.35 (Personal Best), Music: Munich & Papa Can You Hear Me? by John Williams
Deep, soft knees punctuated a great opening triple Axel. Speed and consistency through triple-triple combos lead a lyrical routine. Interpretive, much like a fresh-faced Johnny weir, this skater was only 15th at the World Junior Championships in 2009 but appears to have been competing internationally for years. His maturity and consistency accompanied good technique and speed through a nearly perfect short program here.
12th- Kevin van der Perren, Age: 27, Country: Belgium, Short Program Score: 72.90, Personal Best: 75.80 in 2009, Music: Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgski
He stands apart from his rivals by spotting in the air during jumps – like a dancer performed pirouettes – and is known for plowing through routines rather than expressing them. His routine was not pretty to watch; his lines are often as broken as his consistency. But here at the Olympic Winter Games we would have liked to see a higher quality footwork sequence and spins with any kind of speed at all.
13th- Artem Borodulin, Age: 20, Country: Russian Federation, Short Program Score: 72.24, Personal Best: 72.07, Music: Kalinka
Artem is had a decent performance, with his only major flaw being his jump combination. He could gain more points by ditching the flip or doing it in combination. Borodulin has a solid Axel and is progressing in the other elements. He was the World Junior Silver Medalist in 2008, so he's got the goods. He just needs to bring them all to the table at his next international competition.
14th- Samuel Contesti, Age: 26, Country: Italy, Short Program Score: 70.60, Personal Best: 78.50, Music: Wish Me Well by Willi Dixon and Whammer Jammer by the Geils Band
Born in France, this Italian citizen was dressed as a hillbilly eeked out a clean but slow triple Lutz triple tow loop combo before he slightly over-rotated his triple Axel. The next jump, however, laid him out flat. Even the clapping audience couldn’t put the wind back in his lungs. His footwork was fun but not fast.
15th- Jeremy Abbott, Age: 24, Country: USA, Short Program Score: 69.40, Personal Best: 83.00 in 2009, Music: A Day in the Life by the Beetles
Previously an ice dancer, Jeremy has the artistry needed. He is coached by Yuka Sato, so he has the technique to make a top five finish happen. Unfortunately, his lack of a quad and his singled Axel and doubled Lutz put him out of the competition. For him, this was the one that got away.
Read more in Part 1 and 3 of our coverage of the 2010 Olympic Men's Figure Skating.
Also, here are the requirements for the men's short and long programs.
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