Russian Figure Skater Yevgeny Plushenko leads the pack after the Men’s Short program with two other skaters less than a point behind the Russian going into tonight’s, Thursday Feb 18@4:00ET, free skate. Reigning world champion Evan Lysacek and Japan's Daisuke TakahashOlympic can catch the uber talented Russian skater. Olympic oddsmakers at BODOG.com have Yevgeny Plushenko as 2/3 odds favorite to win gold at Men’s Figure Skating Free Program . Be sure to get your 2010 Winter Olympics: Men’s Figure Skating Free Program Predictions in now at BODOG.com
Yevgeny Plushenko (RUS) – scored 90.85 for the short program, but in practically a tie for the lead, Lysacek is just 0.55 behind and Takahashi 0.60. The reigning champion had the edge technically while Lysacek and Takahashi scored higher for program components or artistry. Plushenko opened with a solid quad-triple toeloop combination which he followed up with a triple axel and triple lutz, nailing all his elements cleanly. Plushenko is the only skater doing the quad and the lack of the quad from his rivals should solidify him as the best of the best. "Without a quad it's not men's figure skating," he said. But, while his rivals don’t do the quad, they are better at the artistic side of the skate. So, Plushenko has to do a quad to stay afloat.
Evan Lysacek (USA) – was reduced to tears after his brilliant skate after landing four triples including a triple-triple combination. American Lysacek said: "This just sets me up for the main event.”I'll try and put it out of my mind as quickly as possible and conserve my energy for the long program." Evan Lysacek is listed at 3/1 odds to win gold .
Daisuke Takahash (JPN) – impressed with his fast-moving routine that put himself in the running for Japan's first Olympic men's title. was content with what he achieved.
"I'm really happy with myself," said the Japanese skater, who missed all last season because of torn knee ligaments and punched the air in delight after his routine in the Pacific Coliseum.
"It wasn't perfect, but it's the best program I've done this season.”The artistic side was good too. I'm feeling great. I trust in myself to keep doing what I've been doing." Daisuke Takahash is listed at 5/2 odds to win gold .
Men's Figure Skating Free Program Odds:
Stephane Lambiel (SUI) 14/1
Brian Joubert (FRA) 100/1
Patrick Chan (CAN) 50/1
Nobunari Oda (JAP) 18/1
Johnny Weir (USA) 33/1
Samuel Contesti (FRA) 80/1
Tomas Verner (CZE) 80/1
Michael Brezina (CZE) 40/1
Stefan Lindemann (GER) 80/1
Point-Spreads.com 2010 Winter Olympics: Men’s Figure Skating Free Program Predictions
The Bottom Line: If Plushenko screws up Lysacek will win. Be sure to get your 2010 Winter Olympics: Men’s Figure Skating Free Program Predictions in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% Deposit Bonus and start winning today!
