7th Miko Masters 1997

March 28 - 29, 1997, Paris/FRA

7th Miko Masters - Report

by Tatjana Flade

For the 7th time already, Paris invited professional skaters for the Miko Masters competition in the arena of Bercy. But for the first time ever, Europe's oldest pro competition was organized as a team competition.
Team Europe (Charlene von Saher, Jozef Sabovcik, Tricia Klocke/Ian Jenkins, Susanna Rahkamo/Petri Kokko) won closely over Team America (Josée Chouinard, Scott Williams, Calla Urbanski/Rocky Marval, Renee Roca/Gorsha Sur) with 986.7 to 985.1 points.

On the first day, the "athletic programs" were skated. Former Canadian Champion Josee Chouinard impressed with a triple lutz, the most difficult jump of the whole competition. She also got high marks for her presentation to "Downtown" by Nancy Larmotte. Calla Urbanski/Rocky Marval included three clean thrown jumps (triple lutz, triple salchow, double axel) in their technically demanding performance. Also, Susanna Rahkamo/Petri Kokko pleased the audience with their Hip-Hop-routine in shiny costumes. "Team Europe" won the athletic program with 492.2 to 490.9 points.
The second day belonged to the "creative programs", where almost everyone found a different style. One highlight was "Beyond the invisble" by Engima, performed by the Finnish 1995 European Champions Rahkamo/Kokko which included new elements and lifts. Josée Chouinard got much applause for her funny "Can't help myself" (Four Tops) in black costume and hat. The public also loved Klocke/Jenkins' risky lifts and elements. The last skater, Scott Williams, interpeted Nirvana's "Smells like teen spirit" with power and his dancing abilities make his weaker jumps forgotten. In spite of his performance, Team America lost again, 494.2 to 494.5 points. On both evenings, the French stars Surya Bonaly, Philippe Candeloro, Eric Millot, Laurent Tobel, Vanessa Gusmeroli, Sarah Abitbol/Stephane Bernadis, Marina Anissina/Gwendal Peizerat and Russia's European Champions Marina Eltsova/Andrei Bushkov, took part in an exhibition.

Copyright © March 31, 1997 by Tatjana Flade

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