2012 Four Continents Championships: Ladies Free Skate LIVE Coverage

1) Lejeanne Marais (RSA)
   Music: The Holiday

• I like this costume, but not for this music
• She's really stalking those jumps
• Those jumps are all in one place, they kind of stay on top of each other and don't travel much
• Kind of an interesting layback variation, she looked like she was hanging from the season
• Why did you end at the end of the rink? #weird
• Competition Total = 94.34

2) Crystal Kiang (TPE)

•  Two foot on the first jump
• She has nice upper body carriage
• We've got an opposite jumper!
• Really slow spins, but oddly some nice positions
• She really stalks these jumps, really slow entrances and lots of two-footing
• Competition Total = 93.78

3) Chatelle Kerry (AUS)

• She is so leggy that jumps have to be difficult for her
• Pretty spiral if she'd straighten that standing leg
• Wow that tucked sit spin was really cool
• She's taken advantage of her height to make some really cool spin positions
• She's a very fragile looking skater, this was good music for her
• Competition Total: 102.49

4) Melanie Swang (THA)

• We are having a lot of film soundtrack moments
• Lots of double jumps here, we just can't have that
• She is really hunched over
• I appreciate her knee bend, but her upper body should be more upright
• Competition Total: 96.16

5) Zhaira Costiniano (PHI)

• 1 and a half lutz?
• That high free leg is a technical error
• Those bangs have got to go
• Needs to point that foot on the sit spin
• Well we missed the rest of the piece due to feed malfunctions
• Competition Total = 87.26

6) Yea-Ji Yun (KOR)

• She has a very fresh faced look 
• I like her elegance and her style, but some of the jumps just aren't there
• I love this Cinderella music on her, but the performance quality is not there
• Competition Total = 96.85

7) Chae-Yeon Shur (KOR)

• What to even say about this costume...it's just a lot
• Green is bad luck for sure
• Straighten that standing leg in the spins please!
• She's stalking those jumps big time
• That fall was horrible, right on the hip, that's gotta hurt
• Bailed jump mid air, she's running out of steam big team
• Poor girl, she looks so dejected
• Competition Total = 94.95

8) Alexandra Najarro (CAN)

• What's with the CDonn bun
• Popped 3toe, oh boy
• This is not going so well so far
• Point that foot please!
• This program took a long time to get to the part of the music that we know
• If you're going to take on this program, you need to kill it
• If she doesn't point that foot I don't even know what I'm going to do 
• She's a big fan of the headless spin
• Competition Total = 117.11

9) Mimi Tanasorn Chindasook (THA)

• This costume is interesting, it's rough to pull off all white
• Aborted first jump
• She's at least showing some grace
• Nice 2-3 combo
• A little clunky in the jumps
• Uh oh, botched a spin and had to skate around a little to wait for the music
• Poor girl, shes really running out of steam here
• She really needs some umph her in the big part of the music
• Competition Total = 97.19

10) Sandra Khopon (THA)

• I love this costume, its so elegant and interesting
• I like this music, it's different
• She could use a little zap of energy, but she's still about the best we've seen thus far
• Really high wrap on that leg in the jumps
• Competition Total = 103.15

11) Quiying Zhu (CHN)

• This is a fun little latin number
• Lots of two-footing moments happening
• She looks like she really can't breathe at all
• She's having a hard time even getting off the ice
• They are massaging her chest to keep help her breathe, this is really scary
• Competition Total = 102.77

12) Melinda Wang (TPE)

• This costume is very pretty, I like the deep purple
• She looks thrilled to be there, good for her!
• She's doing a really nice program, nice presentation, she is very present in this program
• She's breathing hard too, but I think she's going to make it okay though
• Competition Total = 103.69

13) Haruka Imai (JPN)

• This is a program where lyrics would help to bring out some personality
• Nice 3-3
• She needs a lot more face and more choreography 
• This is going very slowly, but then again the music isn't helping her at all
• That was a weird fall, her feet just fell out from under her
• She is running out of steam and this lounge version of My Fair Lady is doing nothing
• Competition Total = 134.49

14) Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN)

• She pops the first jump, that's what she always does
• There you go, good triple
• And another pop
• Nice turn out on that leg in the spin, good low position
• I'm not loving this white costume on her
• Let's get it on this footwork, keep it up and keep fighting for it
• Now she's really living up to the momentum in this music, needs to keep fighting
• Competition Total =147.47

15) Amelie Lacoste (CAN)

• This costume is a nice cut on her
• So far so good, 2 clean triples
• Stumble and trip on that next one there
• I like that side-stretched position on the layback
• Definitely some errors, but a cleaner skate overall than Cynthia
• And then you go and cock it up with a fall on a double axel
• Competition Total = 147.65

16) Bingwa Geng (CHN)

• Did these skaters all decide after practice and the men's event to just cut their losses and do double jumps?
• Lovely catch foot spiral
• She seems to be holding back, we'll never know how much this altitude is affecting the skaters
• These jumps are barely off the ground
• Competition Total = 127.89

17) Victoria Muniz (PUR)

• Good 3-jump combo off the bet, seems very strong
• That was a very ugly A-spin
• Definitely the best of the unknown skaters tonight despite some falls and doubling
• She is definitely breathing hard
• Competition Total = 117.83

18) Min-Jeong Kwak (KOR)

• These gloves are too much for me, they don't go with the costume
• Barely getting these jumps around
• Really running out of speed
• Good flexibility in the spins
• Competition Total = 130.52

19) Caroline Zhang (USA)

• Which Caroline will we get today?
• A lot of arm swing into that 2a
• So far so good, she doesn't seem to be too affected by the altitude
• Good clean program ending with her signature pearl spin!
• Competition Total = 176.18

20) Ashley Wagner (USA)

• Great 3-2-2 combo to open
• 2a-2t  instead of a planned 2a-3t but not too bad so far
• A little loss of speed in that spin
• Altitude is not affecting her, she looks strong as can be
• This is a fantastic skate from Ashley and she's really selling it well
• The title of US Champion suits her well
• Great clean program from Ashley, not just clean but inspired
• Let us hope that wasn't Ashleys peak
• Competition Total = 192.41

21) Agnes Zawadzki (USA)

• She's starting off much better than at US Nationals
• She looks so tall and elegant this season
• So far so good, but lacking spark
• There's no life in her skating, the seems tired, but she trains here
• I love that she points her foot on that final spin, I'm obsessed with that
• She's not happy, she just seems mentally blocked this season
• Competition Total = 157.23

22) Kanako Murakami (USA)

• I love Kananko...get it baby girl!
• She looks a little wild tonight, something just isn't quite right
• She looks exhausted, poor baby
• Her jumps looked really sloppy, technique looks off
• Competition Total = 169.32

23) Mao Asada (JPN)

• 3a, but looked 2-footed
• She's looking lovely tonight
• Hand down on the 3lz
• This is a really well composed program
• Beautiful pointed foot on that catch foot spin, I love the head back variation
• 2a-3t combination
• 3-2-2 combination, she's just floating through this, nothing is affecting her
• I love that spiral to end the program
• Good for her, she looks amazing and oh so happy out there!
• Competition Total = 188.62

24) Kexin Zhang (CHN)

2012 Four Continents Championships: Ladies Preview

Podium Predictions:
1) Mao Asada (JPN)
2) Ashley Wagner (USA)
3) Kanako Murakami (JPN)


I've loved Mao Asada (JPN) ever since she was a pre-teen jumping bean, but I think she's even better now in the Renaissance of her career. She may not be as technically proficient, but she's skating with the maturity of a true artist. I think that losing the Olympic Gold hurt her more than we can ever know and she is using that emotion to improve her performance quality. I grieve for her over the recent loss of her mother and that is the x-factor that certainly will affect her skating the rest of the season, though exactly how is an uncertainty. I think she'll take all of those feelings and put them into her programs, ultimately propelling her to a win.

Ashley Wagner (USA) is the new golden girl of the US and I think that new-found confidence is going to set her up for a nice run as a contender internationally. She beat Mao last year at at NHK 2010 and if she has it in her to do it again, this is as good a time as any. She is exquisitely trained and packaged this season and I believe she will go clean, but in my opinion that is not enough if Mao also skates clean. She's been talking up a triple-triple combination, even in the short, and I'd like to hope she'll try it here to give it a test run before Worlds. A medal here would do wonders for her confidence and give her more international credibility that could help her scores and give her the benefit of the doubt at Worlds.

Kanako Murakami (JPN) is still the little diva that burst onto the scene last year, she's just trying to find herself. Her programs are much  more lyrical and mature this season; I really appreciate that she's taking a step in that direction. Her jumps were an issue on the grand prix, particularly pops, which is a sign of lack of focus and confidence. I'm not worried about her, she's just in a sophomore slump, and I think a great performance and potentially a medal here will be a way to come out of that smelling like a rose.

The Japanese contingent is strong as always and Haruka Imai (JPN) has the potential to factor in. She's training with Sato and Dungjen and her skating reminds me of Yuka a lot. She has a beautiful, soft, elegant quality about her skating but she's a fragile skater and we don't know what kind of mindset she'll show up in. She trains in Detroit so travel and time changes won't affect her like it will the other Japanese ladies.

I like Agnes Zawadzki (USA) but I feel she is a little lost. Last season she had so much confidence, even when things weren't going well. This was an up and down season for her and I think she's just going through some growing pains of switching coaches and trying to find herself artistically. Actually, she reminds me of Kanako a lot this season. Aesthetically, I think her new look with the dark hair and makeup is very harsh. Is she trying to make herself look older? That's fine but if she softened up her look, I think it could help her artistically.

I can't even believe we are talking about Caroline Zhang (USA) as a contender at a major international but I'm happy to do it. If everybody skates clean, she still has a ways to go to make the podium. However, it's not an overly strong field and if she goes clean and others falter, she could find herself taking home some hardware. Either way, getting the bid to this event is a confidence builder and that's what she needs. The jumps still need some work, particularly in terms of height, but she's on the way. Now that skaters are seeming to have longer careers and/or peaking later in life, you can't count her out.

Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN) is certainly gritting her teeth after losing out on the National title. She breaks my heart because she's so dramatic and intense on the ice, that's my kind of skater, but she can't get out of her own head. She pops jumps more than she falls, which is a sign of focus issues. If anybody can straighten her out, it's Brian Orser, but will his methods have time to make an impact this soon in their partnership?

Amelie Lacoste (CAN) was recently crowned Canadian champ, but her federation does not yet have enough faith in her to send her to Worlds in it's one slot. They are using this event as a playoff between Lacoste and Phaneuf, so that will make for a good fight between them. I think I trust Lacoste more in the clutch than I do Phaneuf, particularly because she has momentum coming in from Canadians. 

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: NHK Trophy Ladies Free Skate Commentary

1) Shoko Ishikawa (JPN)
     Music: Miss Saigon

• She clearly does not have the jumping content of the other Japanese ladies, but I like her overall flow across the ice
• This is very dynamic music, I'd like to see more interpretation and facial expression
• She needs to straighten the leg on the sit spin
• I feel like she is not committing to this program, she doesn't seem like she's giving it 100%
• There is not nearly enough energy in this step sequence
• She is almost crying, I don't know if that's because she's happy she didn't fall or if she's upset about something

FS Score: 34.14 (TES) + 42.93 (PCS) = 77.07
Total Score: 45.07 (SP) + 77.07 (FS) = 122.14

2) Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN)
     Music: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

• She is such a hard skater to watch because you know she is stuck inside her own head
• If she could get herself straightened out mentally and just perform it would be amazing
• And we start with a popped jump
• One of the few skaters brave enough to go backless without illusion fabric
• And another pop
• She clearly has no self-confidence as these jumps are fine in the air but but she second guesses herself and opens up out of them
• I don't love this classical piece on her, I'd rather see something more modern and aggressive
• I'd rather see a skater fall 5 times than pop jumps because at least then you know they are really going for it
• She is starting to look like herself here in the step sequence
• It's a shame she wasn't able to take over where Joannie Rochette left off 
• She is not happy with that at all

FS Score: 38.71 (TES) + 48.69 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 86.40
Total Score: 45.42 (SP) + 86.40 (FS) = 131.82

3) Mae Berenice Meite (FRA)
     Music: Fever, Hey Pachuko, Who Framed Roger Rabbit

• I am not a fan of this costume on her, it would be perfect for a Latin short dance, but not a singles program
• When the back is cut so low that you can see the top of your tights, you know it's a problem
• She has a very high wrap on her jump rotations which is a technical issue
• The jumps are her strength and when she under-rotates and puts hands down, that really hurts her
• She has pretty good speed, at least what I can see on my screen
• Her jump entries are very long, she could earn more points by changing the entries with some steps
• This is a very weak spiral positions, she'd do well to actually hold the leg up as Nancy Kerrigan did
• This is an odd mixture of music for me
• The ending was strange, I felt she was just standing and posing

FS Score: 47.68 (TES) + 43.96 (PCS) = 91.64
Total Score: 52.05 (SP) + 91.64 (FS) = 143.69

4) Kiira Korpi (FIN)
     Music: I Got Rhythm

• This is a very interesting costume, I'm not sure how I feel about the shoulder details, but it looks very high fashion to me
• This is very playful and theatrical choreography
• Very good speed so far
• I love that she is perfectly in the period of this music, down to her hairstyle
• Great fly into the sit spin
• I love her commitment to the performance
• She has such fantastic posture and body carriage
• She's having a hard time finding the jumps today, a lot of doubling and singling
• I'm liking this program on her, it's a departure from what she usually does and I appreciate the risk
• She needs to stretch out through her fingertips, breaking at the wrists disrupts the arm line
• Abrupt ending of the final spin trying to catch the last beat of the music on time

FS Score: 46.23 (TES) + 57.60 (PCS) = 103.83
Total Score: 53.70 (SP) + 103.83 (FS) = 157.53

5) Agnes Zawadzki (USA)
     Music: Rhapsody in Blue

• It's strange seeing a new coach her with her
• I don't like the dark hair, it doesn't work for her at all
• I like this costume, it's a step in the right direction after what she wore last season
• She is skating very slowly starting out
• She rotates very quickly with a nice straight body position and very tightly wrapped legs
• Her spins have improved greatly
• She doesn't look over her legs in these jumps
• Her spiral position has improved as well
• Though she's not proving it today, I think that switching coaches will prove to be a positive in the long run
• That leg overhead sit spin variation is very cool
• I don't know that this music suits her so well, it is very big and broad and she needs to have the personality to live up to it
• After the second fall, she is really struggling to get back up and keep going
• She still looks very fit, but she looks undertrained stamina-wise
• I appreciate the toe point on the I-spin, most skaters have an ugly flexed foot in that spin

FS Score: 36.52 (TES) + 49.82 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 84.35
Total Score: 53.84 (SP) + 84.35 (FS) =138.19

6) Ashley Wagner (USA)
     Music: Black Swan

• I've always thought that skating 1st after warm-up must be difficult
• This costume is exquisite
• I love her upper body carriage
• I wish she'd look up at the audience more rather than down at the ice
• Very nice 3-jump combo to open, with an arm variation
• Her rotation speed is much faster now, after the coaching change
• She his fighting harder for the landings this season than ever before
• I love way she uses her arms to attack the music
• She's been getting lower PCS than I believe she deserves so it seems that the judges are holding her down until she can earn their respect again
• With these programs and her execution of them, I hope she goes to Worlds along with Czisny
• She'll be so happy with this skate!

FS Score: 54.45 (TES) + 55.32 (PCS)  = 109.77
Total Score: 55.88 (SP) + 109.77 (FS) = 165.65

7) Elene Gedevanishvili (GEO)
     Music: Phantom of the Opera

• I don't like this costume, it just doesn't suit the music at all
• That was a very long approach to that triple lutz, hand down
• She is getting better at fighting for landings, Orser has clearly helped her mental game
• I'm so over Phantom!
• She is an athlete, but she really does nothing to try to interpret the music
• What an ugly heel stretch spiral, she needs to point the foot and drop the hip
• She looks a little disappointed in that skate

FS Score: 47.74 (TES) + 56.33 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 103.07
Total Score: 57.37 (SP) + 103.07 (FS) = 160.44

8) Mao Asada (JPN)
     Music: Liebestraum

• Mao is getting huge applause here at home
• Opens with a 3A, likely short of rotation
• I'm glad she's having another go at this program after the rough last season
• That toe point on the catch foot spin is gorgeous
• Another triple axel! 
• This is a piece of art and the jumps are just part of it
• Aside from a few jump exits that could be held out a bit longer, this was a fantastic program
• She's made a comeback! And at home!

FS Score: 61.20 (TES) + 64.57 (PCS) = 125.77
Total Score: 58.42 (SP) + 125.77 (FS) = 184.19

9) Alena Leonova (RUS)
     Music: Adagio for Strings, Requiem for a Tower

• She is a very clean jumper with fast rotation
• This is actually a fairly elegant program compared to what she normally puts out there
• She looks very calm, she's not giving away the easy point that she normally gives
• Toe jumps are much stronger for her than edge jumps
• She has rather long, boring entrances to her jumps
• And she just opened up a jump, so much for not making small mistakes
• She needs to concentrate on pointing her feet
• That was a very abrupt ending
• Very wild footwork, she needs to control it
• PS what is up with her hair?

FS Score: 50.50 (TES) + 58.42 (PCS) = 108.92
Total Score: 61.76 (SP) + 108.92 (FS) = 170.68


10) Akiko Suzuki (JPN)
      Music: Die Fledermaus

• Akiko is so teeny tiny!
• Would be great to see Japan go 1, 2 in this event
• Nice triple lutz, great extension on the free leg
• I've never seen someone continue improving technically in their later years as she is
• She has such an elegance in her body carriage
• I love that "sleeping position" on the sit spin variation
• That upside down broken camel is just ugly, though I know it increases the level
• Popped a jump, but still able to add on two doubles to make a 3-jump combo, now that's a veteran move
• Another pop, she is opening the door for Mao
• She'll hold on to win, but this is not the perfect free skate she wanted for her first Grand Prix victory

FS Score: 57.04 (TES) + 62.39 (PCS) = 119.43
Total Score: 66.55 (SP) + 119.43 (FS) = 185.98

FPl.	Name	Nation	Points	SP	FS
1	Akiko SUZUKI	JPN	185.98	1	2
2	Mao ASADA	JPN	184.19	3	1
3	Alena LEONOVA	RUS	170.68	2	4
4	Ashley WAGNER	USA	165.65	5	3
5	Elene GEDEVANISHVILI	GEO	160.44	4	6
6	Kiira KORPI	FIN	157.53	7	5
7	Mae Berenice MEITE	FRA	143.69	8	7
8	Agnes ZAWADZKI	USA	138.19	6	9
9	Cynthia PHANEUF	CAN	131.82	9	8
10	Shoko ISHIKAWA	JPN	122.14	10	10

Pl.   Name Nation TSS = TES + PCS + SS TR PE CH IN Ded. - StN. 1 Mao ASADA JPN 125.77 61.20 64.57 8.11 7.75 8.07 8.21 8.21 0.00 #8 2 Akiko SUZUKI JPN 119.43 57.04 62.39 8.07 7.50 7.71 7.75 7.96 0.00 #10 3 Ashley WAGNER USA 109.77 54.45 55.32 7.04 6.61 7.04 7.00 6.89 0.00 #6 4 Alena LEONOVA RUS 108.92 50.50 58.42 7.54 6.86 7.43 7.32 7.36 0.00 #9 5 Kiira KORPI FIN 103.83 46.23 57.60 7.14 7.00 7.11 7.39 7.36 0.00 #4 6 Elene GEDEVANISHVILI GEO 103.07 47.74 56.33 7.32 6.75 7.07 7.00 7.07 1.00 #7 7 Mae Berenice MEITE FRA 91.64 47.68 43.96 5.68 5.18 5.54 5.54 5.54 0.00 #3 8 Cynthia PHANEUF CAN 86.40 38.71 48.69 6.36 5.71 5.96 6.18 6.21 1.00 #2 9 Agnes ZAWADZKI USA 84.35 36.53 49.82 6.50 6.04 6.14 6.25 6.21 2.00 #5 10 Shoko ISHIKAWA JPN 77.07 34.14 42.93 5.61 5.18 5.29 5.54 5.21 0.00 #1

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: NHK Trophy Ladies Short Program LIVE BLOG

1) Shoko Ishikawa (JPN)
     Music: La Rosa

• Very dramatic opening, not what I was expecting
• I do not like this costume, it's like a cross between Gypsy and Latino
• She really needs to bend the knees, she appears to be skating on top of the ice rather than down into it
• Clean jumps
• She doesn't have a lot of speed going through this step sequence
• Good solid skate, she'll be happy with that!

SP Score: 23.64 (TES) + 21.43 (PCS) = 45.07

2) Agnes Zawadzki (USA)
     Music: Harlem Nocturne, Whatever Lola Wants

• I'm trying to decide if I like her as a brunette or not
• She is looking really tentative on all these jumps
• She looks really nervous, like she can't give it 100% for some reason
• That was an okay skate, but certainly not her best
• She looks happy enough with that showing

SP Score: 29.39 (TES) + 24.45 (PCS) = 53.84

3) Mae Berenice Meite (FRA)
     Music: Forrest Gump 

• Very solid opening combination
• This is a beautiful musical selection but I feel like she is skating over it rather than listening to it and letting it move her
• She's getting more into the program in the step sequence, but I'd love to see more passion from her
• No real spark, but a good clean skate nonetheless

SP Score: 29.90 (TES) + 22.15 (PCS) = 52.05

4) Ashley Wagner (USA)
     Music: Pollock

• This is very interesting music, I loved this program at Skate Canada
• 3-2 with the 2T in the Rippon variation, very solid combination
• She is skating with nice speed and great confidence out there, I love it!
• She has great flow out of that double axel, loses no speed on the exit
• All 3 jumping passes as clean as can be
• I love this new sense of purpose she has to her skating now that she's switched coaches
• She is skating like a champion
• I really enjoy this choreography, every movement is deliberate and has a specific purpose
• She's very happy with that, I'm thrilled for her!

SP Score: 29.45 (TES) + 26.43 (PCS) = 55.88

5) Elene Gedevanishvili (GEO)
     Music: Tango Jalousie

• She always comes out swinging, but it's just a matter of keeping  up that intensity
• 3lz-2toe combination I believe that was
• Thus far this is a totally different Elene than we saw at Skate America, but the free is the real test of course
• I never wanted to hear this music again after it was everywhere last season, but she really portrays the character of the piece
• Spins are traveling a bit today, it looks to be a strain to hold onto the positions
• Good job sticking the jumps!

SP Score: 29.80 (TES) + 27.57 (PCS) = 57.37

6) Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN)
     Music: Spanish Guitar

• This shall be interesting....
• She always comes out aggressive
• Shaky landing on that double axel, tentative in the air
• Fall on the triple lutz, very tilted in the air, missed the combination
• I don't know where her head is sometimes
• Triple loop, why didn't she tack on a combination to that?
• She looks really cautious out there, I'd rather see her fall 3 times and skate lights out than play it safe
• She is finally looking like herself here in the step sequence, plus she has the crowd behind her
• She finished a hair after the music, not sure if that will cost her or not

SP Score: 21.00 (TES) + 25.42 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 45.42

7) Mao Asada (JPN)
     Music: Shererazade

• Good speed from Mao right off the top
• Singles the axel, not a good way to start off
• Nice 3-2 to get back in it
• If she does all her other elements to their full potential, she can make up enough points in GOE and PCS to recover from singling the axel
• I really like the program, it is a very different look for her
• Really nice speed on the catch foot spin, great position
• I like this take on the music, and she looks like she's enjoying herself which is best of all
• Really not a moment is wasted in this program
• Exquisite Bielman
• Well the single axel was a problem, but this still looks like a totally different Mao from last season

SP Score: 28.33 (TES) + 30.09 (PCS) = 58.42

8) Kiira Korpi (FIN)
     Music: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

• 2T-3T combination that looked like to me, I doubt she rotated the triple with hardly any speed going in
• I'm not sure if I like this yellow dress better or the blue from last season
• Triple loop
• Now she singles her axel, is it something in the air?
• She is such a pretty skater, so easy to watch
• That was not her usual best, something seemed off, she didn't seem totally comfortable out there

SP Score: 24.31 (TES) + 29.39 (PCS) = 53.70

9) Alena Leonova (RUS)
     Music: Pirates of the Caribbean

• Opens with a 3-3, very quick rotation
• Hits all her jumping passes in what seems like the first 30 seconds
• Nothing against her personally, but I hate everything about this program; it just doesn't seem like World-class skate to me
• This is a much stronger program than she did at Skate Canada overall
• She looks to run out of steam toward the end, a lot of traveling on that last spin

SP Score: 31.79 (TES) + 29.97 (PCS) = 61.76

10) Akiko Suzuki (JPN)
      Music: Hungarian Rhapsody

• Good solid combination, she's looking strong today
• Good double axel, she is really flying around the ice today
• This is one of the best programs I've seen from Akiko in a while
• She really has the crowd behind her as well
• OMG Akiki's coach was so excited!!

SP Score: 35.09 (TES) + 31.46 (PCS) = 66.55

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CH	IN	Ded. -	StN.
1	Akiko SUZUKI	JPN	66.55	35.09		31.46	8.00	7.54	7.96	7.86	7.96	0.00	#10
2	Alena LEONOVA	RUS	61.76	31.79		29.97	7.43	7.04	7.82	7.50	7.68	0.00	#9
3	Mao ASADA	JPN	58.42	28.33		30.09	7.68	7.25	7.54	7.54	7.61	0.00	#7
4	Elene GEDEVANISHVILI	GEO	57.37	29.80		27.57	6.89	6.54	7.07	6.93	7.04	0.00	#5
5	Ashley WAGNER	USA	55.88	29.45		26.43	6.61	6.39	6.79	6.61	6.64	0.00	#4
6	Agnes ZAWADZKI	USA	53.84	29.39		24.45	6.29	5.89	6.00	6.21	6.18	0.00	#2
7	Kiira KORPI	FIN	53.70	24.31		29.39	7.46	7.14	7.25	7.39	7.50	0.00	#8
8	Mae Berenice MEITE	FRA	52.05	29.90		22.15	5.86	5.25	5.54	5.54	5.50	0.00	#3
9	Cynthia PHANEUF	CAN	45.42	21.00		25.42	6.39	6.21	6.18	6.46	6.54	1.00	#6
10	Shoko ISHIKAWA	JPN	45.07	23.64		21.43	5.54	5.25	5.32	5.50	5.18	0.00	#1

2011 NHK Trophy: Ladies Preview

We waited so patiently for the start of the Grand Prix season and I can't believe we're already halfway through!  For five of these ladies, NHK Trophy is their first event, but the other five have already competed. This will be another early morning event for those of us in the US as the ladies skate their short Friday Nov. 11th at 5:15 a.m. EST and their free Saturday Nov. 12th at 5:00 a.m. EST.

There are about six ladies who could take the title here, but I like Akiko Suzuki (JPN) to win her 1st Grand Prix event. She has good momentum coming off of a silver at Skate Canada where she stayed within striking distance of 1st, even with major mistakes in the short and errors in the free. She receives high PCS scores from the judges and if she is clean nobody can really beat her. That is, except for Mao Asada (JPN), 2-time World Champion who had a tough 2010-2011 season, with the exception of Silver at 2011 Four Continents. Mao spent a year "revamping her jumping technique" though that time seemed wasted with a poor showing at Worlds. If she skates to the best of her ability she'll be unbeatable in this event, but don't expect that to happen, especially in the first event of the season. Ashley Wagner (USA) put together two nearly flawless skates at Skate Canada, falling on only one jump in the free and earned the bronze, though she earned very low PCS scores in the short program. This says that the judges are either trying to keep her out of the medals or did not like that program. They awarded her much higher in the free, so she'll have to skate flawlessly technically to maximize her levels and GOE marks to keep herself in the medal hunt. Kiira Korpi (FIN) is making her season's debut at this event so we won't know what to expect from her, but she normally comes fully loaded with a triple-triple and usually earns high PCS marks. She won the GP of Paris last season so don't count her out of the medals. Agnes Zawadzki (USA) made a coaching change in the off season and I'm hoping she'll be packaged better with more grace and fluidity and better costuming, music, and choreography to help her earn the PCS marks to match her technical scores. If everything comes together she'll likely be on the podium. Then there is Alena Leonova (RUS) who has a very offbeat style that is polarizing to fans and judges. Her programs were messy at Skate Canada and she finished in 4th, but 2 clean runs could put her in the medal picture.

My Podium Predictions:
1) Akiko Suzuki (JPN)
2) Mao Asada (JPN)
3) Ashley Wagner (USA)


Competitive History:


Mao Asada (JPN)-6th 2011 Worlds, 2nd 2011 Four Continents, 5th 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 8th 2010 NHK Trophy, 1st 2010 Worlds, 2nd 2010 Winter Olympics; PB: 205.50 at 2010 Winter Olympics


Elene Gedevanishvili (GEO)-7th at 2011 Skate America, 2nd 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 10th 2011 Worlds, 8th 2011 Europeans, 7th 2010 Skate America, 6th 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 164.54 at 2010 Europeans


Shoko Ishikawa (JPN)-2nd 2011 O Nepela, 5th 2011 Winter Universiade, 1st 2010 NRW Trophy, 3rd 2009 Crystal Skate, 10th 2009 NHK Trophy; PB: 119.63 at 2009 NHK Trophy


Kiira Korpi (FIN)-9th 2011 Worlds, 3rd 2011 Europeans, 1st 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th 2010 NHK Trophy, 2nd 2010 Finlandia Trophy, 1st 2010 Nebelhorn Trophy; PB: 169.74 at 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard at 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard


Alena Leonova (RUS)-4th at 2011 Skate Canada, th 2011 Worlds, 5th 2011 Europeans, 9th 2010 Cup of Russia, 3rd 2010 Cup of China, 1st 2010 Coup de Nice, 3rd 2010 Finlandia Trophy; PB: 183.92 at 2011 Worlds


Mae Berenice Meite (FRA)-1st 2011 O Nepela, 14th 2011 Worlds, 9th 2011 Europeans, 9th Trophee Eric Bompard, 8th 2010 Skate America, 3rd 2010 Coup de Nice, 7th 2010 Triglav Trophy; PB: 150.44 at 2011 Worlds


Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN)-7th at 2011 Skate Canada, 13th 2011 Worlds, 6th 2011 Four Continents, 4th 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th 2010 Skate Canada; PB: 177.54 at 2010 Worlds


Akiko Suzuki (JPN)-2nd at 2011 Skate Canada, 7th 2011 Four Continents, 1st 2011 Triglav Trophy, 5th 2010 Grand Prix Final, 2nd 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 2nd 2010 Cup of China; PB: 181.44 at 2010 Winter Olympics


Ashley Wagner (USA)-3rd at 2011 Skate Canada, 3rd 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 5th 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 167.02 at 2010 Rostelecom Cup

Agnes Zawadzki (USA)-3rd 2011 World Juniors, 4th 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 6th 2010 Skate Canada; PB: 161.07 at 2011 Worlds 

2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating: Skate Canada Ladies Short Program LIVE BLOG

1:55 And we're live, nothing happening yet, but a decent size crowd!
2:04 The Assistant TS has FIERCE hair!
2:05 I love Adriana's hot pink dress! Ashley Wagner got more applause than the hometown girls!
2:06 Liza is wearing a signature Russian long-sleeved dress
2:06 All-out Spanish attire for Hecken
2:07 Ashley Wagner is looking lovely and blond in a red dress accented with a Swarovski neckline and halter-strap
2:08 Basic black with a Swarovski neckline and criss-cross straps for Lacoste
2:10 DeSanctis hasn't competed in years so she'll be a dark horse


1) Adriana DeSanctis (CAN)
     Music: Street Scene by Alfred Neuman

• Hand down on the triple lutz, didn't catch the rotation
• I love the dress, but the ponytail looks a little too casual
• Good triple salchow-double toe
• Some slight audio issues, just getting the kinks out
• Slow spin exits but nice positions
• I really like this piece of music
• Low landing on the double axel, may have put a hand down
• Needs more stretch on that I-spin and more toe point on the sit

SP Score: 26.18 (TES) + 20.96 (PCS) = 47.14


2) Elizaveta Tuktamisheva (RUS)
    Music: Tango by Astor Piazzolla

• A lot of flashy hand movements in the opening sequence
• Triple lutz-triple toe, very quick rotation
• Triple loop with nice flow out
• Double axel, slightly bent free leg on the landing
• She bangs out the jumps very fast
• She is an expressive little diva!
• She looks a like shaky on her legs in her footwork, perhaps a bit of nervous
• Fly into the sit spin could have been a little higher, needs a bit more speed
• She is slightly rough around the edges, but there is so much talent there and she'll certainly grow
• So happy with that, she is thrilled!

SP Score: 33.95 (TES) + 25.62 (PCS) = 59.57


3) Sarah Hecken (GER) 
    Music: Malaguena by Lecuona

• Hmm, a music selection we've never heard
• Triple lutz with a wide swinging free leg-popped single toe
• I want her movements to be so much sharper and more specific with this music
• That layback is just not pretty, sorry to say
• She has long limbs, she should use them
• Really nice double axel with quick rotation speed
• Good donut spin position, but the transition out was awkward
• This footwork really lacks speed and needs more knee bend
• This is a hard piece of music to do because you're compared to all who have done it before you
• Really slow final spin
• That won't be a great score, but she held on

SP Score: 22.78 (TES) + 21.72 (PCS) = 44.50


4) Ashley Wagner (USA)
    Music: Pollock by Jeff Beal

• Come on Ashley!
• I like this music a lot, she looked great in practice yesterday
• Good speed, nice choreography
• Triple flip-double toe in the Rippon variation
• She looks confident!
• Short entry on the triple lutz
• Really good rotation on the double axel
• I want a little more toe point on her spins, but good position variations
• She has a very fine layback
• Great view of John Nicks looking on at his student
• This foot work is very musical, nice nuance work
• Spread eagle into a sit spin variation
• And that is how you do a clean short! So good to see her happy!

SP Score: 30.02 (TES) + 24.48 (PCS) = 54.50

5) Amelie Lacoste (CAN)
     Music:Satin Doll by Duke Ellington

• This costume is fierce and elegant at the same time, suits the jazz piece so well
• Really long flowing edge out of that double axel
• Triple loop-double loop, may be a 3-3 some day
• Fall on the triple lutz, it didn't look rotated either
• Really nice low sit spin position and variations
• She isn't the most naturally expressive skater, but she's really trying
• Good stretch on the camel
• I really like the use of levels and the whole body in the step sequence
• This is a stylish and mature program
• I look forward to seeing the growth as the season continues
• Obviously she's not happy with the fall, but I loved the program as a whole

SP Score: 26.71 (TES) + 24.89 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 50.60
 
6) Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN)
     Music: Spanish Guitar

• She is the home favorite and National champ so she has a lot of support here
• Wow, backless much??
• This is last year's short, and costume #4? #5?
• It's a sassy piece from what I remember
• Quick double axel, good ice coverage
• Popped triple lutz to single, unfortunately that's been the story of her career
• This is a nicely compose program, but she doesn't look 100% invested
• Really flexed foot on the beginning phase of the layback
• I don't like that she's seemingly checked out of the program after the pop
• She's finally picking up the energy a little for the ending footwork and spin

SP Score: 23.36 (TES) + 25.34 (PCS) = 48.70


7) Rachael Flatt (USA)
     Music: East of Eden

• I'm nervous about this because I haven't seen her skate since Worlds 2011 and we all know how that went down
• I'm not sure if I like this costume change or not, maybe the wrist bands are throwing me off
• Triple flip-double toe looked clean to me but I caught it at a weird angle
• Good footwork into the triple lutz, nice smile!
• Is it just me or have her spins improved?
• I like that she is just breathing and flowing easily through this program, no rushing about it
• Good double axel
• She looks so happy out there, gorgeous Ina Bauer
• I know many don't, but I happen to LOVE this footwork sequence
• Camel into illusions is a little wild, but she reigned it in
• She'll be thrilled with that performance!

SP Score: 29.14 (TES) + 25.09 (PCS) = 54.23


8) Mirai Nagasu (USA)
     Music: Danzarin by Tango Lorca

• Not loving this costume, it's very Forever 21 Homecoming dress
• Very clean opening jump
• I like this new program on Mira, very aggressive and mature
• Oh lord Mirai, did you really have to go and fall?
• Good double axel
• If she holds it together, she could still pull a big number with spins and PCS
• She really needs more stretch on that split jump
• Well she won't be leading after the short, so that should quell her nerves going into the free
• Good stretch on the I-spin, she makes that look easy

SP Score: 27.61 (TES) + 26.12 (PCS) - 1.00 (DED) = 52.73


9) Alena Leonova (RUS)
     Music: Pirates of the Caribbean by Hans Zimmer

• What is this costume? Pirate wench?
• Went for the 3-3 and stumbled out of the 2nd with a hand down
• She is an athlete, that's for sure, but this is clunky at best
• She's a Morozov skater alright, this looks like a carbon copy of a Miki Ando program
• This footwork is playfully tacky
• Sorry for any Alena fans, but I hate this program
• Can we ever retire this music? I do like this arrangement though
• reeeeeally slow spins
• That was so bizarre, no clue how it will score

SP Score: 23.86 (TES) + 25.89 (PCS) = 49.75


10) Akiko Suzuki (JPN)
      Music: Hungarian Rhapsody by Edvin Marton

• Wonky hop after her opening 3Flip, was that a missed combo?
• Pretty clean 3lutz
• Weird costume, I don't get it
• I like this piece of music and the footwork fits well
• Double axel
• She did not do a combination, unless that little hop after the 3Flip was supposed to be a single toe
• She'll probably fall between Nagasu & Leonova or so it seems as of now

SP Score: 26.14 (TES) + 26.68 (PCS) = 52.82

Pl.	Name	Nation	TSS =	TES +		PCS +	SS	TR	PE	CH	IN	Ded. -	StN.
1	Elizaveta TUKTAMISHEVA	RUS	59.57	33.95		25.62	6.46	5.96	6.68	6.43	6.50	0.00	#2
2	Ashley WAGNER	USA	54.50	30.02		24.48	6.21	5.71	6.25	6.29	6.14	0.00	#4
3	Rachael FLATT	USA	54.23	29.14		25.09	6.36	5.75	6.54	6.29	6.43	0.00	#7
4	Akiko SUZUKI	JPN	52.82	26.14		26.68	6.93	6.39	6.68	6.75	6.61	0.00	#10
5	Mirai NAGASU	USA	52.73	27.61		26.12	6.79	6.32	6.54	6.68	6.32	1.00	#8
6	Amelie LACOSTE	CAN	50.60	26.71		24.89	6.32	5.96	6.11	6.54	6.18	1.00	#5
7	Alena LEONOVA	RUS	49.75	23.86		25.89	6.54	6.00	6.50	6.57	6.75	0.00	#9
8	Cynthia PHANEUF	CAN	48.70	23.36		25.34	6.43	6.00	6.21	6.54	6.50	0.00	#6
9	Adriana DESANCTIS	CAN	47.14	26.18		20.96	5.43	4.93	5.43	5.29	5.14	0.00	#1
10	Sarah HECKEN	GER	44.50	22.78		21.72	5.57	5.11	5.54	5.39	5.54	0.00	#3

Skate Canada: Ladies Practice LIVE BLOG

11:48 I may not get to watch the rest of the ladies, but I will be back for Pairs at 12:50 EST, just check back on my main blog site
11:45 Feed is back up, hello Canadians in the crowd!
11:43 The 3 Canadians + Hecken & Suzuki are on the ice now, but we don't have the feed
11:36 We've lost the feed, but I"m pretty sure everyone is done anyway
11:33 Ashley is leaving the ice and Reliable Rachael is still working
11:32 Mirai just hit 3 fantastic triple flips in a row
11:31 Wagner, Flatt, Nagasu, Tuktamisheva and Leonova in this session, Phaneuf, DeSanctis, Lacose, Hecken, and Suzuki in session 2
11:30 They commentators just said, "the Russians are off the ice and the Americans are working hard and pounding it"
11:30 Rachael's spins are looking  a little better today, faster and cleaner position changes
11:28 Mirai just ran several jumps again and nailed them, she looks really determined after Frank have her a talking to following the run through
11:28 We have the rest of the ladies coming up in a few minutes
11:24 Very good short from Ashley, and she looks to be in such great shape
11:23 Ashley Wagner looks fantastic, nice spins, and very clean jumps, Mr. Nicks seems to have worked his magic
11:21 I like these commentators, they'retelling us exactly what each skater is doing and what level it would receive
11:20 Mirai seems to have found her footing, really nice step sequence and a gorgeous change of edge camel spin
11:19 Mirai took a hard fall just there, she's not looking her best right now, but I've always heard that a hard practice makes for a great performance
11:15 We're back, Rach is taking a little break in the middle of the program and now she's back, somebody is  doing commentary and they're talking about GOE, not sure in what respect
11:14 Stream just cut out...be back momentarily
11:13 Hand down on a triple lutz for Rachael, looked rotated
11:12 Rachael is not doing her free skate run-through w/ the first triple
11:10 I'm loving Liza's step sequence, very interesting turns, kicks, and flicks
11:09 Now it's Liza's turn to run through, she is really going after, no marking in the opening section, marks the jump combination
11:07 Alena is looking solid in practice today, at least what she's actually doing
11:05 Alena seems to be doing a run-thru of her short program
11:05 Liza and others have made several outfit changes already
11:04 I'm watching on mute because the sound is horrible
11:02 Rachael & Ashley almost run into one another and have a little giggle moment
11:02 Ashley Wagner gets right into some footwork, as does Rachael Flatt (definitely her short program step sequence)
11:01 Mirai is looking very fast, Liza is commanding that ice like an old pro!
11:00 All of the skaters look to be in better shape than when we last saw them
10:59 There are a few crowded sections in the arena, but it's mostly empty
10:58 It looks like a few ladies are missing, I can't tell exactly who is there but I see all three Americans and Liza

2011 Skate Canada: Ladies Preview

This is shaping up to be one of the most competitive fields of the season and I for one am still quite uncertain of my podium picks. This ladies event is a mixture of experienced skaters still trying to make a splash internationally and up-and-comers looking to make their mark early. The ladies short program is the kick-off event for Skate Canada at 2:05pm EST on Friday October 28th. They finish up with their free skate on Saturday October 29th at 12:15pm. I'll be blogging sporadically and tweeting and re-tweeting as much as I possibly can.

Against my better judgement, I'm going going to say that Mirai Nagasu (USA) has finally conquered her demons and will proudly stand atop the Grand Prix podium. She normally struggles in her first event of the season, but this year she started at Nebelhorn Trophy and pulled out a win, so let's hope she's worked out the jitters. She'll be chased closely but Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (RUS), one of the Russian babies. She is making her senior Grand Prix debut, but already has in impressive resume behind her and has seemed un-phased by the international spotlight thus far. Look for her to come out guns ablaze with triple-triple combinations. Ashley Wagner (USA) has always played second fiddle to the top US ladies but after a coaching change to John Nicks and a coastal changed, she seems poised to take her career to the next level. I spoke to her in person a few weeks ago and said that she is tired of being the "almost girl" and wants to get to move up the podium and make it to Worlds. Rachael Flatt (USA), once a favorite, has been demoted to dark horse after an injury mishap at Worlds and her current status as a Stanford Engineering student. In recent interviews she's spoken about being exhausted from hours a day in the car and lack of sleep, which is not conducive to maintaining elite status and racking up international medals. Akiko Suzuki (JPN) had a solid 2010 Grand Prix, taking two silvers, but faltered in the final and missed the podium. She again failed to make the podium at Japanese Nationals and was left off the Worlds team. This is a season of redemption for her, and like Alissa Czisny, she'll need to up the technical ante to maintain her position at home and continue on to Worlds. Alena Leonova (RUS) had the best 2011 Worlds finished of this field, 4th, but I'm not convinced that she is in the top tier of ladies yet. She has the technical goods when she hits, but I'm not a fan of her style. This is a critical year for her and she must bring home medals to assert her status as the top Russian lady over the upcoming youngsters. Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN) is another touch-and-go skater as she has moments of brilliance (her 2010 Skate Canada short program) and moments of disaster (the rest of her 2010-2011 season). Normally I'd call her a threat to medal, but given her history, I think this field is just too deep.

My Podium Predictions:
1) Mirai Nagasu (USA)
2) Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (RUS)
3) Ashley Wagner (USA)

Competitive History:

Adriana DeSanctis (CAN)-14th 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 8th 2003 Junior SBC CUP, 8th 2002 JGP Final

Rachael Flatt (USA)-12th 2011 Worlds, 4th 2011 Four Continents, 6th 2010 Grand Prix Final, 2nd 2010 Skate America, 2nd 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 182.49 at 2010 Winter Olympics


Sarah Hecken (GER)-6th 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 11th 2011 Worlds, 11th 2011 Europeans, 2nd 2010 NRW Trophy, 10th 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 3rd 2010 Ice Challenge; PB: 155.83 at 2011 Worlds


Amelie Lacoste (CAN)-16th 2011 Worlds, 9th 2011 Four Continents, 5th 2010 Skate America, 3rd 2010 Skate Canada; BP: 156.26 at 2010 Skate Canada

Alena Leonova (RUS)-4th 2011 Worlds, 5th 2011 Europeans, 9th 2010 Cup of Russia, 3rd 2010 Cup of China, 1st 2010 Coup de Nice, 3rd 2010 Finlandia Trophy; PB: 183.92 at 2011 Worlds 


Mirai Nagasu (USA)-1st 2011 Nebelhorn Trophy, 3rd 2011 Four Continents, 2nd 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th 2010 Cup of China; PB: 190.15 at 2010 Winter Olympics

Cynthia Phaneuf (CAN)-13th 2011 Worlds, 6th 2011 Four Continents, 4th 2010 Trophee Eric Bompard, 4th 2010 Skate Canada; PB: 177.54 at 2010 Worlds 


Akiko Suzuki (JPN)-7th 2011 Four Continents, 1st 2011 Triglav Trophy, 5th 2010 Grand Prix Final, 2nd 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 2nd 2010 Cup of China; PB: 181.44 at 2010 Winter Olympics

Elizaveta Tuktamisheva (RUS)-2nd 2011 World Junior Championships, 1st 2010 Junior Coup de Nice, 2nd 2010 Junior Grand Prix Final, 1st JGP Romania, 1st JGP Germany; PB: 172.78 at 2010 JGP Germany 

Ashley Wagner (USA)-3rd 2010 Rostelecom Cup, 5th 2010 NHK Trophy; PB: 167.02 at 2010 Rostelecom Cup