Not many expected Lubov Ilyushechkina/Dylan Moscovitch to miss making the Olympic team, especially after how they have been skating the past few seasons. But they are here and looking for redemption. Another big story that's sure to have the cameras clicking? The reappearance of Tae Ok Ryom/Ju Sik Kim, who are competing for the first time since qualifying the Olympic spot for North Korea back in September at Nebelhorn Trophy.
Four Continents predictions
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GOLD Lubov Ilyushechkina/Dylan Moscovitch CAN - It has been an off season for Ilyushechkina/Moscovitch. And with their teammates skating well at Canadians, their mistakes there just were too much to overcome, and they missed the Olympic team by one spot. They are here as the favorites for gold - after all, they were sixth at Worlds last season. Here's to hoping they can finish their season on a positive note.
SILVER Tarah Kayne/Danny O'Shea USA - Even just two months ago, there were all kinds of question marks as to whether or not they would even be ready for the U.S. Championships. But the comeback of Kayne/O'Shea from her knee surgery has been stunning, and they won silver at Nationals looking better than ever. This competition will be a stepping stone for them to the World Championships in two months, and two strong skates can help them reestablish themselves on the world stage.
BRONZE Tae Ok Ryom/Ju Sik Kim PRK - It's the North Korean pair team that everyone has been talking about. Ryom/Kim return to competition for the first time since September, but how competition-ready will they be here? They have grown to become a strong pair over the past couple of seasons, and should be medal contenders here this week.
4. Ekaterina Alexandrovskaya/Harley Windsor AUS - Having conquered the junior season with a win at the Junior Grand Prix Final, the Australian champs want to make their presence known on the senior ranks. They had a solid 16th last season at Worlds, and they have some great skating that can certainly take them to the podium here. It's their inconsistency that they will have to keep in check.
5. Ashley Cain/Timothy LeDuc USA - A roaring free skate at the U.S. Championships brought them back in the conversation after a subpar short program, and they grabbed fourth and a spot on the Four Continents roster. They have an opportunity for the podium here this week as well, but it'll depend a lot on how rotated their side-by-sides are.
6. Deanna Stellato/Nathan Bartholomay USA - Bronze at the U.S. Championships, Stellato/Bartholomay skated the best that they have all season. Like Cain/LeDuc, they have a shot at the podium here in Taipei. Their short program is their showstopper, and they will need to rely on a strong start to get them into the medal hunt.
7. Camille Ruest/Andrew Wolfe CAN - Sixth at Canadians, Ruest/Wolfe have solid skating, but are hampered a bit in base value with only a double twist.
8. Sydney Kolodziej/Maxime Deschamps CAN - Kolodziej/Deschamps were seventh at the Canadian Championships and will be making their Four Continents debut together this week. Deschamps was last at this event in 2016 with Vanessa Grenier.