Official Figure Skating Thread

[fallingslowly]

READY FOR THIS THREAD. Has anyone else been watching the GP events? Finlandia is a bit of a mess so far.

 

Poor Kaori. :( She was sobbing after her SP. I also find it suspect that Alina ended up with such high PCS and in first place after popping the second jump in her combo, but what else is new with Eteri girls and inflation.

 

Outside of the singles disciplines, South Korea is not that strong. They do have an ice dance pair that is getting some attention: Yura Min and Alexander Gamelin.

 

Just as a note: Min/Gamelin separated before the start of the season (it was super dramatic, actually — they were calling each other out on social media). Muramoto/Reed of Japan did as well, and I believe that was also pretty acrimonious.

Edited November 3, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Raises hand. I felt sorry for Rika Hongo too, yesterday. She was so distressed. I'm glad she finished the competition on her own terms.

And Alina won. Not really surprised there . She got an enormous owl. Glad that Kaori got herself on the podium. Had never expected Stanislava to get a silver, but there we are.

 

But Yuzuru did so well! New World Record

 

I didn't know Min/Gamelin seperated! I'll remove it from the OP.  I knew about Muramoto/Reed, but not them. If they keep this up, East Asia won't have any Ice Dance teams that are even remotely competitive for Beijing 2022. I don't remember seeing dance teams from Japan or Korea doing

well in the junior grand prix either.

 

Rika is rather slow, isn't she? She reminds me of Tuktik in that way. I feel like I'm watching her on half-speed, which is pretty strange, because all of the other Japanese ladies fly across the ice. I wonder if she's hurt?

 

omg that owl is precious. I don't begrudge Alina, but her PCS scores are just incredibly inflated. She's not even happy with her performance, but you'd never know that based on the scores.

 

Yuzu usually ends up getting silver in his first GP event due to some mistakes but I don't see that happening this time, LOL. That twizzle into the 3A? A Momentâ„¢.

 

Stanislava got no UR calls. Zero. Even Alina got one! You can see that Stanislava had several URs with the naked eye. I don't know what juice the judges were sipping on, but I want some. Now Kaori is on the precipice of making it into the GPF instead of being a sure thing.

 

I think Min and Muramoto will have new partners by next season, but who knows how well they'll do with them. Muramoto/Reed were Japan's chance of qualifying two teams to Worlds next season, but now that won't happen. They do have some young talent, but they have very little international exposure, so they really have no idea how they'd be scored on that stage (and therefore don't know where they need to improve).

Edited November 3, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Perhaps Yuzu was so annoyed about the issues at the Autumn Classic competition that he was hell-bent on improving. He totally seems like he would beat himself up over them. It was awesome to see the Pooh Rain again. And yes, his axels are always a high point. Literally, in this case. He's obviously practicing the 4A. I don't think we will see it tomorrow, but we never know with mr Hanyu.

 

It was less great to see Mikhail mess up his SP. He has great potential for high scores, but so often he loses bucketloads of points with errors. I like the guy, so I hope he will do better tomorrow.

 

Yeah. I agree about the Alina PCS thing. She improved a lot, but she's no Satoko. And Stanislava.... (note: I don't mind her as a person, but I do think she got a lot of freebies this year, like being sent to Junior and Senior Worlds that was a bit over the top).

 

Muramoto/Reed break-up was sad. It's too bad that those skaters quit over disagreements. Building a new team costs time, even if they find a new partner.

 

I think he's only secure in the 4A with a harness on at this point, like everyone else practicing it. He only successfully added the 4L in international competition last year, so he'll probably just take it slow.

 

I can't decide what I think is the issue with Kolyada. I'm worried that his basics aren't down well enough for him to ever land quads consistently. And at this point, he's kinda too old to reverse that. Had Russian men's been as stacked as women's is, I think his fed would have given up on him a long time ago.

 

What kills me is that Satoko has to fight to break into the 8s in PCS. How absurd is that? She has the international clout and experience, so surely she must have climbed up the "reputation" ladder for the judges at this point. Kaori and Wakaba struggle with PCS scoring as well; this is by far the highest I've ever seen Kaori's PCS get. But even Loena broke into the 8s on three of the five components, so they were actually somewhat reasonable at this competition. (I guess they'd have to be, to justify Stanislava being in the mid 7s and Alina breaking into the low 9s...)

 

You would think Stanislava is an Eteri girl with the amount of preferential treatment she's received (and quite frankly, considering her poor flip/lutz edge and URs). But apparently her father is an important figure in the Russian military? So that answers that.

 

These feds ask a lot of folks like Reed and Gamelin who have to move elsewhere, learn the language, apply for citizenship. It heightens the pressure, because they want to feel like all of that was worth it. Both splits were concerning "directional differences" on paper with the men pulling the trigger, so I guess they just thought they wouldn't improve fast enough. Min has also been through quite a few partners and is thought to have "personality issues", so best of luck to the South Korean fed on finding her a new partner.

[fallingslowly]

Oh, Jin, what happened? :(

 

Boyang is worrying me. :( I wonder if he should have made the switch to Orser with the rest of his fed.

 

 

I also loved Michal's air guitar both on the ice and in the Kiss and Cry . He was so joyful. Great to see him on the podium.

 

I'm so happy he's locked into the GPF. What a fun skater. I wish Raf could have been with him again so he could freak out in the K&C, lmao.

[fallingslowly]

Didn't see that coming at the start of the season. He's the first single skater who got a lock, right? Kaori could have made it, if not for her disappointing Short Program.

 

Yup, because he's the only medalist who's already done his two assignments and gotten higher than bronze at both.

 

I want to have faith that Kaori will make it now that I've looked over the updated assignments. There's a good chance the GPF will be three Russian and three Japanese ladies. Loena was the biggest dark horse and we already know she won't qualify. Bradie would need gold in France, essentially, and that's not happening. The only real spoiler left is Eunsoo Lim — and while I want her to make it, it's her first senior season and she's adjusting to a new coach and she has back-to-back assignments. Who knows how she'll do.

 

I'm going to guess the GPF will be:

1. Zagitova
2. Tuktik
3. Medvedeva/Samodurova/Konstantinova
4. Miyahara
5. Yamashita
6. Kihira/Sakamoto (Kihira might bump out Yamashita and put her in this maybe spot, depending on how she does at NHK)
7. Or otherwise, Lim

The ice was apparently hot garbage for the ladies SP and it just makes me so angry, knowing how hard Kaori fell. I know Finland had to step up and replace China, so the scheduling was sudden, but geez. I just don't think Kaori would bomb like that without outside factors. She's known as the most consistent Japanese skater by far and she was so devastated.

 

In better GP news: Kailani Craine of Australia has been assigned Gabrielle Daleman's spot at NHK! This will be her GP debut. Well deserved! I've been waiting for her to finally get an assignment.

Edited November 4, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

My initial predictions for GPF for ladies is already out the window. Wakaba won't be going and neither will Loena. I am still rooting for Evgenia, even though she is not in the secure position I'd hoped her to be. It was wrong to underestimate Mako. I did the same last year with Junior Worlds and she medaled, while Rika Kihira didn't. In a way, I compare Rika Kihira to Mikhail Kolyada; they both have high Base Values. When they make their jumps, they can medal at any competition, but they so often don't. They still tend to get sent by their feds though. Let's see if Rika is more consistent this year.

 

Apart from predicting, it's also hard to root for anyone. There are so many people I want to see in the GPF. I don't dislike any skaters, and wish they could all go sometimes. Evgenia is one of my favourites, as is Elizaveta, so hope they'll make it. Elizaveta is on her way, but Evgenia will have to get gold to be secure. I also like Satoko's quiet strength and determination, but want to see Kaori and Rika Kihira there too. Alina, reigning Olympic Champion should have a spot, but I would also like Sofia to make a case of herself. And then Eunsoo and .... you get my drift

 

Kailani Craine: I am happy for her too. I like her attitude and she seems to have quite a fan following.

 

I wanted Wakaba to make it so badly. :( At this point, I think it's better that she withdraws from her second assignment and takes a moment to let her injury heal. She's literally skating with a fracture in her ankle. Girl needs rest. And Loena...I had such high hopes after her Challenger Series event but her inconsistencies came to bite her. I just want more girls from smaller feds to succeed.

 

Kihira murdered the competition at her Challenger event and then qualified for her second GP assignment at NHK after competing for it against the other Japanese skaters who were also waiting to receive a second. She seems like she's on the right track this year. Plus, her 3A-3T is at least quite reliable. It's her second 3A that gets her sometimes. But the base value of the combo alone...everyone besides Liza will be chasing her (if Liza lands hers, anyway). I find it quite interesting that literally the only two female skaters with a reliable 3A will be competing against one another. It'll be interesting!

 

The field is so packed and with only six spots, choosing who I'd like to see go is just the pits. Russia and Japan alone could fill a GPF twice over. I'm sure Alina and Liza will medal at their next assignments, which means two spots are already decided. Evgenia is having a filler season, I can already tell. She needs to feel out Toronto and what kinds of programs she wants to skate, considering she's never had any sort of control over that before. Plus, her PCS has really taken some significant dings now that she doesn't have the Eteri boost. It's a good thing in the end, I know, because now she understands how she should have been scored all along, but with Rika, Mai, and Stanislava all at her second assignment, I'm worried about how much of a shot she has at gold. :/ That's basically why I have her fighting for that last spot — all three girls have equally difficult assignments, so it might just come down to pure math at the end.

 

That's really part of the problem with Japan and Russia having three girls at each event — they eat each other alive. Satoko is the only lock for Japan, most likely, and then it's just a free-for-all with Kaori and co. I understand why Rika had to come out of juniors because she was drowning there but now she has her foot on all the seniors' necks, lmao.

 

And then my precious baby Eunsoo. She and Junhwan were both passed over for second assignments repeatedly before finally getting Helsinki and NHK despite the fact that they were both at the top of the sub list the entire time. The US fed just went with an empty spot at Skate America even though Eunsoo trains in California! And then Japan passed over her for the first withdrawal at NHK, though they're known for being the only fed that plays by the rules and just goes with whoever is at the top of the list. They're scared of her. I just want her to prove that they were right to be, lol.

 

I was resigned to Kailani being ignored when they gave Alexia. Paganini. a second assignment. before giving her a first. But the ladies are really dropping like flies. They finally had no choice. Now she has less than a week to prepare! Poor girl.

[fallingslowly]

Yeah, Eunsoo should have gotten that second assignment before. She's been one to watch for quite a while now, and like Kihira, it's good for her to have a year away from the powerhouse juniors. It would be nice if she could make the final, so it won't be the likely Russian-Japanese ladies only event that it seems to become. For ladies, this week is the first week that we'll likely see some people locking into spots. I always love NHK, because they love figure skating so much and are enthousiastic about skaters from all countries (though Yuzu most of all).

 

It's kind of sad that people like Polina Tsurskaya and Marin Honda aren't contenders for GPF. They won major medals in their junior careers, but are not even really in the conversation right now. In another country they could have been the top lady, but not in Russia or Japan.

 

I'm suddenly reminded of the JGPF being five Russian girls and Kim Yelim, lmao. The dominance is truly in the extreme at this point. The US has completely fallen off. I feel so bad for Kim Yuna who really hoped to make South Korea into a bigger fed. I think the talent is finally there, but Eunsoo will have to fight for the recognition she deserves.

 

NHK is always super fun, if not one of the hardest assignments, lol. Skate Canada was just the pits with the complete lack of enthusiasm for anyone who wasn't Canadian or French. That just isn't in the spirit of the sport.

 

I think Polina is done, tbh. :/ Internationally, anyway. And I don't see Daria competing internationally after her GP showing either. Plus, Radionova just got married and I think it's likely she'll withdraw from her second assignment at the last minute. I think we're going to see a lot of the Russian ladies who dominated in the last quad just disappear, and a lot of Russian juniors shoved aside after being given one shot. They're just so flippant with their ladies because they know they have Trusova and co coming up. I'm actually very surprised Leonova just got assigned NHK, but I think they just don't have anyone else at this point and had to indulge her.

 

There's hope for Marin, I think. She just started with Raf and he's very supportive of her. I've never seen him be that nice to anyone in the K&C, lol. She's seventeen just like Wakaba, she has time. Japan is less ruthless with their ladies despite the fact that there are just so. many. of. them. Plus, she won't give up because she's now a part of a huge figure skating dynasty just with her siblings, lmao.

Edited November 5, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Well, too be optimistic, Korea was the second country in ladies JGP. Apart from Yelim Kim, Lee Hae-in and You Young also managed to get a medal. You're right about the dominance, though. The USA ladies did not get one medal (think it was the same last year).

 

Pairs was even more Russian dominated, by the way. Only one bronze medal went to another country. And that was it. I would have thought China would have put up more of a fight, especially since I'd think they'd be investing a lot in skaters for the upcoming home Olympics. Maybe we'll see a new team do well next year.

 

Aw, poor Marin in the K&C. She seemed a bit out of it, and Raf tried to cheer her so much. And yeah, she can't give up . Her little sister Sara is already impressing people. As a former junior world champion, I hope she shows more than what she had last season.

 

As for marriage, I think you mean Pogorilaya, or did I miss something?

Yeah, as a Russian lady, you can't make many mistakes at all. Poor Gubanova's fourth place in a JGP last season cut her off from lots of opportinities. Even Gulyakova, who was second (!) did not get a second JGP.  Just her bad luck that she was up against Trusova.

I wonder what will happen to Daria. A Challenger here and there to get better SB's and hope for a GP next season? She won't medal in Russian Nats, so that's her only hope.

 

Alysa Liu is probably our best shot at some sort of dominance in the near future because Ting Cui is just too inconsistent. Pooja is also quite talented, but her programs are poorly choreographed. It's a shame Tessa Hong seems to have retired, and some are speculating Emmy Ma has as well. We can't afford to continue losing skaters.

 

Russia is desperate to reclaim pairs dominance, lol. I can't believe the US's best bet is still the Knierims with nothing in the pipeline. Alexa can't jump worth a damn.

 

I'm surprised China hasn't shown their hand yet, but I'm sure they have some pairs somewhere. A lot of their Beijing 2022 preparation is so under wraps at this point. If they at least have a pair as good as Yu/Zhang, they'll stand a chance in juniors.

 

There's also Miyu! And their older brother. It's just insane that they're all skaters.

 

I did! So many Russian girls, lmao. I was bound to start confusing them. Radionova did indeed withdraw from her second assignment recently, though. I wonder what's going on there.

 

Shcherbakova was just added to the fourth stage of the Russian Cup, but in juniors, so she'll avoid Trusova until the JGPF. Seems like some skaters get to strategically avoid Trusova and everyone else just suffers. Daria...I just don't know if she'll cut it past a Challenger here and there. Her body has changed so much post-puberty and she just hasn't gotten used to it. Plus, you know the Russian fed likes those girls lithe and just short of starving.

 

GP update: Wakaba Higuchi has indeed withdrawn from her second assignment at Rostelecom.

 

The next alternates according to rank are as follows:

26 Yuna Shiraiwa (FIN)

31 Rika Hongo (FIN)

41 Courtney Hicks (NHK)

46 Hanul Kim (FIN)

53 Emmy Ma

56 Rino Kasakake

58 So Hyun An

59 Kailani Craine (NHK)

62 Matilda Algotsson (IDF)

63 Viveca Lindfors (FIN)

 

Russia typically selects a European skater in last minute situations, so I'm expecting Algotsson or Lindfors. Shiraiwa and Hongo are unlikely because they pose a bigger threat to Samodurova's placing.

 

EDIT: Russia has surprised and given the spot to Yuna!

 

Also pending: Papadakis/Cizeron have withdrawn from NHK due to an injury, but it's likely too late for them to be replaced. Chock/Bates have finally withdrawn from their second assignment at Rostelecom.

Edited November 8, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

I hope there can be as many replacements as possible. It will mean the world to those skaters who can get a(nother) GP spot.

Love that Yuna got a spot.

 

Have you watched the ladies SP at NHK? That was magnificent. Even better than last year's Cup of China, which was one of the best ladies events of the season.

 

Elizaveta's 3A was stunning. Eunsoo Lim really delivered. The British commentators went wild over her. Satoko showing what's she's made of. Elizaveta and Satoko are so close, so let's see what happens tomorrow. And Mai Mihara having a good SP was nice too.

 

Maria seems to be no competition, while she was second at GPF last year. Let's see how she does tomorrow.

 

I think there are still more to come. I know Karen Chen is training, but no one has seen any hint of actual programs. I'd be happy to see her, but I won't be shocked if she withdraws within the next couple days.

 

What an iconic SP. I'm still shook. It was worth staying up to watch, lol.

 

Satoko and Eunsoo were definitely my favorites, but Liza delivered as always. I just think she's way overscored in PCS, given how slowly she skates and, honestly, how boring she can be to watch aside from the fantastic jumps. Eunsoo was scored lower than both Liza and Rika in components, which I just find kinda absurd — especially since Rika fell? But Satoko was nearly three full points above everyone else, which I was glad for. Rightfully deserved.

 

Otherwise, I think Rika showed great improvement, because her junior self would have just allowed the program to fall apart after that fall. I have high hopes for the 3As in her free, and the podium better watch out if she hits them. And Mai is as consistent as ever. Looking forward to her free.

 

I thought Kailani really killed it for only having a week to prepare! Her new short suits her style wise.

 

Maria is in a transition season, it seems, given the sharp change in her packaging. I think it suits her better (even if I thought the costume was ugly), but she needs to sink into it a little more.

Edited November 10, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Iconic is the right word. Same for the free. This ladies competition was out of this world!

I also agree about Maria's packaging. It was very different from what we've seen from her. She must be disappointed with the result. And yes, Eunsoo deserved more PCS in the SP.

 

Some of the highlights this competition:

-two ladies landing triple axels

-Rika's absolute dominance in the Free. Only Zagitova has a shot at beating her when she's clean

-Satoko and Liza ending this close to each other. Both making it to the finals.

-Mai doing great

-Eunsoo left quite an impression on people

-Mariah Bell was awesome too. Hope to see more of her this way.

-The Japanese audience was very supportive of all skaters, as usual.

 

By far the best two programs of the GP so far. What an insanely packed field. With so many clean skates, too! I wish Eunsoo could have pulled it out in the free as well, but we can't have it all.

 

I thought Maria would fade into obscurity, tbqh. But she seems to be trying something new, so I hope it works out for her. She's definitely piqued my interest way more than she ever has before!

 

Rika Kihira is a legend and she needs to be in the GPF like yesterday. She'll only need a bronze at IDF, and I think that's definitely doable despite all the competition unless she completely bombs. And I much prefer her to Zagitova, but let's not even get into that, lmao.

 

A lot of folks are railing against the choice to rank Satoko above Liza, but Liza's skating doesn't compel me in the slightest. She's just so, so slow. She has beautiful jumps, but I'm just waiting for those and don't care about anything in between. That being said, Satoko's URs came back with a vengeance, and her PCS is the only thing that saved her in the end. I hope we're not going back to that. I thought she finally had them under control.

 

Also, Mariah Bell for US champ 2k19. Bradie is boring, Karen is a mess, and Starr needs better coaches. I need Mariah to stay consistent for once!

 

The usual GP update: USA's Chock/Bates and Karen Chen have withdrawn from Rostelecom. Denney/Frazier, also of the USA, have withdrawn from IDF. All are due to long-standing injuries.

 

In the case of the first two, I find it so ridiculous that they decided to wait until now to withdraw when it's too late for anyone to replace them. Chock and Chen must have known that they weren't healed enough weeks ago. Just withdraw! Especially in the case of Chock/Bates, because that ice dance competition is a joke now. Stepanova/Bukin are practically guaranteed the gold after already getting lucky with a lackluster field in Finland. 

[fallingslowly]

 Thanks for the update. People pulling out at the last moment if they know they won't participate before annoys me as well. A spot would mean the world for some skaters, so it would be nice if they became available when there is still time to fill them.

 

I like Liza, also the in between jumps part, though she is slow. She really sells her programs and has a specific type of personality few others have on the ice nowadays. I do think she and Satoko were quite evenly matched (though with very different strong points). Either one of them winning is fine with me. Mariah for US Nationals champ? Didn't think of it, but why not?

 

So for the ladies, it's Alina vs Mako vs Sofia when it comes to GPF hopefuls. Unless something crazy happens, there's no way Alina won't win. Sofia will be looking for a silver to stay in the race, while Evgenia will be keen in Canada to see what she and Mako do. Eunsoo won't make it to the finals, but she might well be a spoilsport for Mako and Sofia if she wins silver. With Elizabet in the mix too, it's not obvious if either Mako or Sofia will medal.

 

It will be nice to see Gracie Gold compete. I think she is very brave to come back after all she has been through.

 

I would understand it if they needed a GP event to qualify for nationals (via a bye for sectionals) but they both placed in the top 4 at nationals last year, so they automatically qualify. So it's not like they have no shot at 4CCs or WC. There have been seven withdrawals in the GP without a replacement because of the time constraints, and I gotta wonder how much those places would have benefited skaters who needed the world standing points.

 

I do love Liza's personality. She's a serious badass and takes no shit. It's just that her skating doesn't do enough for me. :/ And I think a clean Satoko is better than her, but...she was far from clean, lmao.

 

Sofia grabbing silver would lowkey devastate me. I do like her, but she'd make the GPF if there's a spot open because she'd beat Kaori in a tiebreaker. Eunsoo and Elizabet will both have to spoil to give Kaori (and potentially Evgenia) a shot.

 

I'm not a fan of Gracie (personality wise) but she's made wonderful progress. I'm very surprised to see she's gotten back all her jumps besides the 3Lo, according to her proposed FS layout. No 2A-3T yet, or triple combo besides a 3Lz-3T, but getting back all those triples after a year off at her age is pretty extraordinary. Jeremy Abbott choreographed both her programs and from the practice the FS really looks like something special. I don't think she'll be clean, but it might be a great starting point for her.

[fallingslowly]

Is anyone planning on rabbiting the competition today? More specifically the men's (i'm missing ladies TT)? I'm trying to figure out streams since i don't have a working vpn right now :/ 

 

If you know someone else that's rabbiting it then i would for anyone to share! 

 

I usually use this Tumblr to find unblocked streams! TSkate on Youtube also streams the ISU feed without commentary, usually. I don't see any scheduled for today, but that may not mean anything. Otherwise, because Alina is competing, Fanpage Zagitova or a zagitova might stream.

Edited November 16, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

It's just that I would like to say that I put a new thing in the OP called Skate of the Week, which I will change every week. I chose Rika Kihira's FS for the last week, but will change that once Rostelecom has finished.

Please give any suggestions for this week and the weeks after. I watch a lot, but my bias is Ladies Skating, so please help me not be too biased. Ladies skate suggestions are welcome too, though ;)

 

I think Yuzuru's SP is in the running, LOL.

 

Men's was pretty much a disaster aside from first through third, but Kolyada was the worst to watch. :(

Edited November 16, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

I only know you from this thread, but I already had a feeling you were going to say that

I totally agree, btw,  I don't think anyone in any discipline will top that, apart from Yuzuru himself possibly.

 

 

 

Thanks for the Gracie update! I only knew she was competing, but didn't know if she was in form. I hope thing will go well for her, so she can build from there, as you say.

 

Yeah, it's sad when there are only 10 skaters like in the Men's event today, when there could have been 12. There were some people who did withdraw early and gave others a shot. Can't remember who they were (Wakaba-> Eunsoo?), but good for them.

 

Satoko has slowly made it to become one of my favourite skaters. I know she has UR issues, but her quality in some many aspects is top notch. I also like her personality a lot; she takes no prisoners despite her humble personality. As for Sofia, I liked her last year in JGP. Apart from Rika, she was the only non-Eteri skater to make it to the finals. She came back more mature as she entered seniors. Her jumps are quite small though. And if I need to choose between her and Kaori, I would pick Kaori as well.

 

The ice is slippery for everyone but him, lmao. What can I say.

 

Every men's GP has truly been:

1. the guy everyone thought would be first
2. small fed dude
3. european uncle

We're holding to the pattern, folks.

 

Here's Gracie's practice:

 

 

 

She marked nearly all of her jumps but we already have her layout, so.

 

I believe there was 12, actually? Erokhov pulled out but he was replaced with Lazukin immediately because host country, ease of access, etc. There will be 10 in women's, though, because Schott and Chen both pulled out at the last minute. Yuna was given Wakaba's spot. Eunsoo was always assigned Rostelecom; NHK was her addition.

 

I like that Satoko has a supreme sense of self-awareness. She knows her jumps aren't great and has endeavored to fix them. She's also very supportive of other Japanese skaters, even Rika (who's meant to be her direct rival since they have the same coach). I was also surprised to see that she speaks English so well! I didn't know she spent time in the States as a kid.

 

Sofia's taking advantage of the fact that she's just a tiny bit older than the rest of the junior crop, so more power to her. I wish her programs had more substance, though.

Edited November 16, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Thanks for that link of Gracie. Can't wait to see how she does in competition. I hope she has a good team behind her to look after her mental health as well.

 

Yeah, Satoko knew her weakness and worked hard to get past them. Last year's minor drama about her coach saying Satoko worked too hard and Marin not enough, does make me wonder if she's balancing other things with skating better. My guess is that her life is still hardcore all about skating, though.

 

If Sofia had been a tiny bit younger, she would have drowned next year. Now she is able to gain some fans and acclaim. I hope she continues to improve. I sometimes wish Eteri skaters and Mishin skaters could do summer camps with the other team, so they can learn from the other's strengths.

 

Vincent Restencourt is coaching her atm. He coached Ting Cui until this season, when she switched to (ugh) Tom Z. He has a few juniors, but I believe she's his only senior. And Jeremy visits her often to go over choreo. If Vincent's Instagram posts about his skaters are any indication, she seems to be very well supported, thankfully.

 

Satoko's admitted that she can be too single-minded, to the point of being a real detriment to her nutrition and strength. She loses weight very quickly and that affects her jumps. Her coaches have to mind her a lot in that regard.

 

LOL, the thought of Eteri actually being a good sport and welcoming the idea of friendly camps. If only, because her girls need some exposure to other kinds of training. We won't know the effect of quads on a prepubescent female body until this round of juniors is long gone, but I do worry about what it'll mean for them. I feel like if any of them ever gets injured and is out for a considerable amount of time, they'll have a Kyla Ross-esque growth spurt.

 

I'm so sad for Kolyada :( He's such a beautiful skater, but he gets into his own head too much :/ I really think he should get a sports psychologist if he doesn't already work with one. He's go so so much potential but it'll all be wasted if he can't get his confidence up and get out of his head more. 

 

Yuzuru was breathtaking. To think the program hasn't reached its full potential both excites and scares me :0 I can't wait to see even more progression! I think (if i calculated it right) the roof for points for the program is somewhere around 116.77 points which is insane '-'

 

He really needs one if he doesn't have one. I mean, sincerely. Get the poor boy some help. His warm-up was incredible! The height on those jumps, ugh. He just gets psyched out so easily, and he's not young enough to be given the benefit of the doubt anymore. Any crappy season is a threat to his future viability.

 

If he can improve his landings on that combo, I imagine he'll be in the 112-113 range, at least. That's a near impossible score to beat, whew.

[fallingslowly]

Anyone watching the Ladies SP right now?

 

(will respond in more detail, but am with my eyes on Moscow now)

 

It's been a wild ride.

 

Unless Elizabet gets way overscored (possible), Alexia...is going to be in third...

[fallingslowly]

So, the first day is over. Yuzu's amazing performance can be added to a Youtube collection of "Yuzuru breaks a World Record" reactions. Moris being second was unexpected, but let's see what he does in the Free. Alexei Krasnozhon does not have all his jumps back yet. If he hadn't been injured earlier this year, he would have been a podium favourite.

 

As for ladies, what was going on with Mako? Didn't see it coming, as she has been quite consistent so far. Eunsoo was also too bad. She's not so far behind that she can't medal, but she needs some help from the other.

 

I respect Eteri for being there and even smiling a little, as she just lost her mother.

 

So, Alina first, then Sofia and third Alexia.

 

Am looking forward to the Italy vs Russia battle in Pairs tomorrow as well.

 

@Fallingslowly

It's too bad that Gracie didn't do well, but I don't see it as a disaster. She just came back, though she has an eating disorder. I find it very brave. Good to know she's well supported.

I agree that Mikhail needs help. He can do very well, but it happens way too often that he bombs. It must hurt to be under such pressure.

Satoko is such a powerhouse. So far she's dealt with lots of younger skaters coming for her spots, but she's still managed to stay at medal contention level.

 

Rooting for Alexei! I think he's scared of quads, particularly the 4S since he got injured attempting it. His injury was pretty horrific, so it's wonderful to see him on the ice at all. After listening to him in interviews, I've become a real fan. For someone so young, he's keen to understanding the judging changes and how they'll affect his skating before he goes hard on the quads he may not have back yet.

 

I think Mako was shaken by her hard fall in warmups. It was really strange to see, because, yeah, aside from Mai or Kaori, I can't think of anyone more consistent. The fact that Eunsoo completely missed her combo and still has a shot is enough of an indication as to how yesterday went, lmao.

 

Gracie's outing wasn't great, but what can ya do. She couldn't have done a Challenger event because she only started training in April. It sucks to bomb on such a large stage, but she was entitled to a GP spot and took the opportunity. I think she's pretty brave too. But man, seeing her react to her score was a real bummer.

 

I think Satoko/Mikhail are perfect examples of what having friendly rivals can mean for the psychology of a skater. Japanese skaters are generally kind and supportive of one another, regardless if they're actually close. Russian skaters are generally encouraged to constantly be on the lookout for the next young thing out to replace them, and I think that's just taken its toll on skaters like Mikhail, Polina, etc.

 

Definitely wild. Apart from those Men's first places and Alina dominating, nothing has been predictable this GP.

 

(should perhaps have added this to my other reply...oh well)

 

And Alina has gotten a lot of help in that regard, tbh. I think she deserves her gold(s), no question, but I don't see how her SP is worthy of a world record every single time she skates it.

[fallingslowly]

Ladies ranking for GPF right now

 

Guaranteed GPF spots

 

 Satoko Miyahara: 28 points

 Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: 26 points

 

Two competitions finished, but not with a guaranteed spot yet

 Kaori Sakamoto: 24 points

 

One competition finished, but still a good chance to make it to the Finals.

Alina Zagitova: 15 points

Rika Kihira: 15 points

Mako Yamashita: 13 points

Stanislava Konstantinova: 13 points

Sofia Samodurova: 11 points

Evgenia Medvedeva: 11 points

 

Those competing this weekend are underlined.

 

 

 

I agree. This is not a one season thing; it has been going on for a while now.

 

Given Mako's performance in the SP, I think Kaori has a much improved chance of making it now. It'll depend on IDF, but the door is definitely open.

[fallingslowly]

Yuzu definitely tweaked something in that practice, given the way he was dealing with his ankle during warmups. But he has a few weeks to recover now! Hope he's alright.

 

Happy to see Kazuki on the podium. Riverdance is always going to be Jason's war horse, but having one choreographed by Misha Ge is at least second best, lol.

 

We also got our first attempt at a 4A! Dmitriev is a ballsy one, as always. It was ruled UR and he fell, but he did get 4 revolutions in there. Just another half to go.

Edited November 17, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Oh, and GP update: Certified Uncleâ„¢ Sergey Voronov has clinched his spot in the GPF! Two uncles in the final, friends. We are blessed.

 

Junhwan is oh so close to clinching. If Boyang wins gold at IDF, he would beat Junhwan in a tiebreaker. Samarin would win a tiebreaker with a silver. Otherwise, it's smooth sailing. Nathan would only bump him down to 6th.

Edited November 17, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Holding my breath for Jun. I think that would be the first time that a Korean man would reach the final, correct? I guess I have to make a ranking for the men now too

 

Should be, yeah! Not only as a representative of South Korea, but quite literally Korean in general. Denis Ten never made the GPF.

 

That would be huge for his fed. They need a post-Yuna lift.

 

EDIT: You did the ranking, and better than me! LOL.

Edited November 17, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

Grand Prix Ranking Men after 5 competitions.

 

Guaranteed GPF spots

Yuzuru Hanyu 30 points

Shoma Uno 30 points

Michal Březina 26 points

Sergei Voronov 24 points

 

Two competitions finished, but not with a guaranteed spot yet

Cha Jun-Hwan 22 points

Keegan Messing 20 points

(Matteo Rizzio has 20 points too, but can not make it as his total score is lower than Messing's. Even if Nathan and all the other hopefuls completely mess up next week, Cha Jun-Hwan and Keegan Messing will take the last two spots).

 

One competition finished, but still with a chance at GPF

Nathan Chen 15 points

Alexander Samarin 9 points

Jin Boyang 7 points

 

Poor Matteo. So close. He needs more time to cook, though.

 

Even only placing 6th, Nathan beats Keegan. Considering the BV of his jumps, that should be pretty easy to achieve. Boyang was 5th in Finland even though he completely bombed. 

[fallingslowly]

First of all I would like to say one thing: Eunsoo medals!!!

Her FP was magnificent. This is what I want to see.

 

New rankings:

 

Guaranteed GPF spots

 

 Alina Zagitova 30 points

 Satoko Miyahara: 28 points

 Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: 26 points

 

Two competitions finished, but not with a guaranteed spot yet

 Kaori Sakamoto: 24 points

 Sofia Samodurova 24 points

 

One competition finished, but still a good chance to make it to the Finals.

 

Rika Kihira: 15 points

Stanislava Konstantinova: 13 points

Evgenia Medvedeva: 11 points

 

Mako is out, so that gives the other ladies some breathing space. Kaori is looking more secure, as Sofia's total score is lower than hers.

Rika can afford a mistake or two, but not too many as the field is stronger next week than this one. Bradie, Mai and Maria will be there too and all have high scoring potential when they're on.

Evgenia will be in with a gold, or needs to score well with a silver. Stanislava is in with silver or higher, and with bronze she will compete with the other 24 pointers.

 

The most troublesome scenario for Kaori would be: Evgenia gold, Stanislava silver and Rika bronze/fourth. A Stanislava gold, Evgenia with high score silver and Rika bronze/fourth would also push her out. Otherwise, she's fine. Since there are some potential spoilers apart from the 3 GPF hopefuls and Rika is looking much more consistent this season than last, these scenarios are not too likely, though.

 

I'm so excited!!!!! Glad to see her medal.

 

If Evgenia wins silver, she needs ~213 to surpass Kaori (she'd have to be clean) or ~198 to surpass Sofia (doable). Stanislava is in the same situation if she wins bronze. Rika will be fine in 4th, and her scoring potential should make that decently easy for her.

 

I'm not particularly worried about any spoilers aside from Mai. Bradie has yet to be clean this season, even at ACI. Maria is always hit or miss. So I have hope Kaori will make it, but it'll be a tight squeeze.

 

Gracie tweeted about her withdrawal:

 

Click here to view the Tweet

 

And Nathan was apparently at the free skates, lol:

 

Click here to view the Tweet

Edited November 17, 2018 by fallingslowly

[fallingslowly]

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlR8eiFZi0w

 

Mariah Bell won me over with this free skate at NHK. I never really paid attention to her because she usually isn't a podium contender (and my favorite US lady has always been Karen), but her FS this season is just so good. I got emotional seeing her reaction during the choreographic sequence, especially at 4:17 when she shakes her head, like she can't believe it's real. It reminded me so much of Wakaba's FS at Worlds last year; there's something magical that happens when a skater has their dream skate, you can't help but root for them even if they're not your fave. I hope she wins US nationals. Seeing as how Gracie's comeback was a disappointment, Karen is apparently still injured, and Ashley and Mirai are basically retired, the podium spots are up for grabs. Hopefully the USFSA is fair and won't blatantly favor Bradie, though we know that's not likely.

 

 

TL;DR Mariah Bell assaulted me, made me cry, tugged on my hair and called me a "lil bitch".

 

 

This post Did Thatâ„¢. We love a Mariah stan. On Golden Pond will live on in our hearts tho.

 

Speaking of Americans, did anyone see Jason's skate today?

 

So beautiful! This is when the new judging system really shines. Those GOE scores could not have been more well deserved.

[fallingslowly]

Jason deserves his moment in the sun. I hope he medals tomorrow

As for the ladies, Mai made a clear case for herself. Too bad about Rika's 3A. Unless something crazy happens, Stanislava is now out of the race for GPF. Kaori is now almost sure to be in.

 

Evgenia is still holding on by a thread and needs to slay tomorrow.

 

Me too. The ice seems to be eating quads so I'm confident, lmao.

 

Rika most often pops/messes up her 3A in her short, but I was heartened by the fact that she didn't let it affect her. It seems her junior tendencies are really in the past. I have high hopes for at least one 3A hitting in the free.

 

First through third are separated by four tenths, so it's really anyone's game if Rika struggles. I'd say Bradie and Stanislava are pretty much out as spoilers. It's so hard to root for anyone in particular, lmao. Mai, Rika, Zhenya, and Marin! What a fight to the death.

 

The ideal for Zhenya is gold, obviously, but I'm anticipating her being pissed coming into the short and laying it all down. Sofia won't stand a chance then. Given Rika's six point lead over Maria/Bradie and her impressive PCS, I think fourth at the very least will be easy for her.

Edited November 24, 2018 by fallingslowly