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Sunday, January 30, 2011

2011 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Men's Free Skate

I'm back again for my last live-blog of Nationals, the Men's Free skate. We are on icenetwork.com right now but will go live on NBC at 4pm for the final two groups. Best of luck to all the men, I hope we see some fantastic programs!
**Denotes my USFSA Fantasky Skating Team

1) Scott Dyer

Music: On the Waterfront

This is the same freeskate music as Brandon Mroz
Nice double axel, should get a positive GOE
He has nice stretch in his camel
Nice triple lutz-got tripped up on the triple toe
Popped open that triple flip
Nice triple loop, good quick rotation
Solid triple lutz
HE is definitely putting effort into the interpretation
Good triple loop comination
I love the wally jump, he uses that as an entrance to a nice triple salchow combination
He does an interesting sideways sit spin position at the end
Nice energy and good stamina throughout
FS Score: 61.65 (TES) + 59.72 (PCS) = 121.37
55.78 (SP) + 121.37 (FS) = 177.15

2) Lloyd Ting

Music: Madness and Asian Dream Song

Good triple lutz-double toe
Falls on double axel
He looks very focused, but like he may be holding back a little
He gets nice height on his jumps, but the rotation isn't very quick
He just doesn't really have his legs under him, fighting for all of the jumps and traveling on his spins
This is gorgeous music, I just wish he'd do more in the way of interpreting it
FS Score: 51.78 (TES) + 45.64 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 96.42
44.50 (SP) + 96.42 (FS) = 140.92

3) Sean Rabbitt

Music: Long De Chuan Ren

Can't wait to see a fantastic performance from Sean
Struggling a bit jump-wise, let's hope he gets his feet under him
Sean is a dance competition kid, I can totally see that
What I love about him is his energy and I feel like he is really losing that here
Nice spread eagle entrance into his double axel
FS Score: 51.93 (TES) + 52.36 (PCS) = 104.29
51.42 (SP) + 104.29 (FS) = 155.71

4) Parker Pennington

Music: Freedom

Its great to see skaters choreographing their own programs
I like this costume, very simple but shows off the body lines
Huge triple axel, but trouble on the landing
Nice double axel, triple toe
Nice triple loop
He has a lovely camel position, nice twist variation
Such fantastic emotional connection to the music, this is a skater I could watch for a long time
Wonky triple flip but holds onto the landing
I think the jumps hold him back performance-wise, he would be a great show skater
Great spread eagle into triple salchow, nice entrance to that jump
I like the wally into the triple lutz double toe double toe with the Tano arms
This is a gorgeous musical selection
He is looking tired physically, but he hasn't lost his commitment to the performance
FS Score: 51.99 (TES) + 58.20 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 109.19
55.49 (SP) + 109.19 (FS) = 164.68

5) Andrew Gonzales

Music: 1492: Conquest

I love when male skaters choose very masculine pieces of music, that is something the Europeans like Joubert & Van Der Perren are very good at
Oh wow I thought he had that triple flip, but couldn't hang on
Definitely picked up as he went along
I'd love more performance skills from him
FS Score: 52.05 (TES) + 57.06 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 108.11
54.41 (SP) + 108.11 (FS) = 162.52

6) Wesley Campbell

Music: Man on Wire

He has given stellar Nationals performances before so let's try to have one of those again
I love that the opening relates directly to the theme of the program
What a tall elegant skater
I love that low position entrance to a triple lutz-double loop
Feet twisted up in the triple axel leads to a fall
He has a great camel spin into a donut
Wonderful grace in his arms and upper body
Nice tight turns on his footwork sequences
Seems to lack the confidence he needs to land solid triple jumps
The costume isn't doing much for me--it looks too "underwatery"
I love the coach's scarf
FS Score: 57.84 (TES) + 60.40 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 117.34
59.35 (SP) + 117.34 (FS) = 176.69

7) Christopher Caluza

Music: Warsaw Concerto

He takes a long time to get into character before taking the ice
He is shorter than most, explosive jumps
Fall on a triple lutz
Nice triple toe to recover
Whoa he did a Rippon-style loop on his three jump combination
He has most of his combinations in the back half to get points
He has some interesting elements for a man, including change of edge spiral and an Ina Bauer
Tough slip going into a spin, not sure if they'll take away credit for that
Nice side aerial to end!
FS Score: 50.58 (TES) + 49.86 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 98.44
59.28 (SP) + 98.44 (FS) = 157.72

8) Alexander Johnson

Music: Le Grand Tango/Oblivion

One of his listed musical selections is the same as Yankowskas/Coughlin in their short
Strong triple axel-double toe combo
Pops the second jump
Nice strong sit spin positions
Nice spiral into a triple lutz
He definitely has some strong performance skills, good commitment to the music
He is really very enjoyable
He is an easy skater to watch, and by that i mean nothing looks too forced or contrived
Good fight on the landings for that 3-jump series
Seems to be doubling a lot of jumps
He did a second 3-jump combination, so he will not get credit for the second combination, same mistake that Nobunari Oda always makes
FS Score: 48.70 (TES) + 59.50 (PCS) = 108.20
57.30 (SP) + 108.20 (FS) = 165.50

9) Joshua Farris

Music: Porgy & Bess

Gershwin's music is so good for skating
Fall on the triple axel attempt
He is getting very close to the boards on these jumps
He is showing a lot of style in the choreography
Second triple axel, falls and actually skids into the boards
He has nice presence, I hope he doesn't lose that after the disappointed of the falls
Hands down on the double axel
Fall on a triple lutz
This is a program he'll want to forget
Wow he is just trying to get through this at this point
FS Score: 43.24 (TES) + 50.58 (PCS) -1.00 (DED)= 90.82
60.91 (SP) + 90.82 (FS) = 151.73

10) Jonathan Cassar **

Music: Schindler's List

He is on my fantasy team so I'm hoping for a nice big score
I like the choice to open for a step sequence
Such amazing emotion and musicality from this dance major
Good solid triple lutz-double toe
He doesn't have the technical arsenal of other men here, but good clean jumps with positive GOEs could put him ahead at this point
So far just jumps are very crisp and clean
Such elegance, he really uses his upper body in addition to his legs
Great deep spin positions with nice twist variations
Hand down on the second triple lutz but he hung on
That inside edge spread eagle is to die for, rides such a nice long curve
He is just a beautiful skater to watch, so calm, so elegant
Eeks out the landing of the triple flip-double toe
Good triple loop combination
Very nice solid posture
This is going to be a solid showing from him
He can now focus with Frank on building his technical arsenal to add triple-triple combinations and triple axels
His choreographic step sequence is gorgeous
Lovely double axel to end his jumping passes
Gorgeous spinning positions
Lovely lovely performance, some people on their feet
FS Score: 63.28 (TES) + 68.50 (PCS) = 131.78
55.98 (SP) + 131.78 (FS) = 187.76

11) Grant Hochstein

Music:

FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 117.61
65.76 (SP) + 117.61 (FS) = 183.37

12) Jason Brown

Music:

FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 144.44
64.32 (SP) + 144.44 (FS) = 208.76

13) Jason Wong

Music:

FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 110.43
62.20 (SP) + 110.43 (FS) = 172.63

14) Adam Rippon **

Music:

Come on Adam, get it!!
He has such fantastic edge work and stroking
Step out of a triple axel, so titled in the air
He needs perfection from here on out
Gorgeous Rippon lutz, now if all of his jumps were like that
Nice big second triple lutz
He neesd to light it up to make up the point gap
Gorgeous triple-triple
Fantastic spread eagle position
His artistry is unmatched in the US
He does really interesting entrances into his jumps which help him rack up more points
He really rising to the occasion
The spins are great
The musicality, and his presence on the ice are phenomenal
He is killing the footwork sequence and he has the crowd with him
I like his long edges out of the jumps
He is so happy about that!
FS Score: 76.36 (TES) + 77.42 (PCS) = 153.78
66.26 (SP) + 153.78 (FS) = 220.04

15) Richard Dornbush

Music: Sherlock Holmes

Huge triple flip to begin
Triple axel-triple toe, very tough technically
This music suits his performance style well
His footwork seems slow and doesn't have a lot of content
A lot of personality
Huge triple axel, he should get positive GOEs on a lot of these jumps
He seems to be getting tired in the last part of the program
His footwork sequences are a little rough for me, he looks like he is flailing
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 157.85
67.71 (SP) + (FS) = 225.56

16) Armin Mahbanonozadeh **

Music: Avatar

Armin lands a solid triple axel
He has just really impressed me so much this season, so much improvement
He was definitely a fighter on that second triple axel
I've been forgetting to type because this is just such an engrossing performance to watch
He really uses his entire body in these step sequences, he reminds me of Evan Lysacek in that respect
Its so nice to see a nice scratch spin
Wow, what an awesome performance
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 148.28
66.77 (SP) + (FS) = 215.05

17) Keegan Messing

Music: The Hulk

He blew me away in the short, let's hope he can keep it up in the long
"Keegan turns figure skating into an extreme sport" -Sandra Bezic
He is very athletic and energetic
Wow that triple axel was huge!
Quad toe, lands it but with a hand down
He is killing nit so far
Has a lot of speed on his spins too
Second triple axel in combination this time
This section of the music is so perfect for footwork
I can't tell if he is tripping and stumbling on his footwork of if that's the choreography
He needs work on choreography and grace, but he has so much attack which is a great building block
He is just killing these jumps
He ends with a jump on the last moment, gets so much bonus credit for the jumps later in the program
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) =143.50
69.79 (SP) + 143.50 (FS) = 213.29

18) Douglas Razzano

Music:

Gigantic triple axel
Little turn out, but fabulous quad toe so far
Odd fall on that second triple axel
Nice triple-triple combination
He seems to be running out of speed here toward the end
He gets a nice low position in his sit spin
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 137.15
69.61 (SP) + 137.15 (FS) = 206.76

19) Ross Miner

Music: Casablanca

He has grown a lot on the senior Grand Prix this season
He opens with his step sequence, possibly to get the feel of the ice under him
Triple axel combination was huge
Triple lutz-triple toe was wonderful
He is ready to go out there, uses this music perfectly
The jumps fit so well where they are placed in the music
He has a nice traditional quality about him, like a Todd Eldredge
Solid triple loop
He looks like he is really enjoying himself out there
He is making it look so easy
Great entrance into that triple salchow combination
This musical selection really suits his performances style well
Wow, great for him
FS Score: 81.80 (TES) + 74.56 (PCS) = 156.36
67.99 (SP) + 156.36 (FS) = 224.35

20) Jeremy Abbott

Music: Life Is Beautiful

Solid triple lutz to open
Jeremy seems to be in the zone here
He seems very invested in the performance
Triple axel-opens up toe loop to a double
This musical selection just suits him so well as a performer and as an athlete
He is really going after this footwork, he doesn't seem to be holding back really
Hand down on the triple axel, that could have opened the door there
Oh wow he just took a fall there, that hand down took away his concentration
He seems to be losing control of the program at this point
And he was doing so well at the beginning
I respect that he didn't abandon the performance
Not the way he wanted that to go
FS Score: 66.91 (TES) + 79.86 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 145.77
78.39 (SP) + 145.77 (FS) = 224.16

21) Brandon Mroz

Music: On the Waterfront

I am never a big fan of Brandon's programs
Will he Rise to the occasion or feel the same pressure as Abbott?
Brandon lands very low and steps out of the quad toe
Sandra Bezic was right, this jazzy music suits him very well
Triple axel-double toe, same exact thing that Jeremy Abbott did
He looks timid, like he is afraid that he will make mistakes
He seems to really be running out of speed in certain sections, his spins look really slow
He seems to be really running out of stem, has looked tired throughout the whole program
Amazing triple axel after that break
He is landing his jumps, but few of them are very pretty, wont get a lot of positive GOEs
Did he fall out of that camel, or was that mean to be a change foot camel
He looks very wild in this foot, and not a Rachael Flatt passionate kind of wild
FS Score: 73.66 (TES) + 68.2 (PCS) = 141.88
71.61 (SP) + 141.88 (FS) = 213.49

22) Ryan Bradley

Music:

His entrance to his starting position is just of the performance
Steps out of both quads
Huge freaking triple axel
Triple axel-triple toe loop
Wow he has the crowd with him in big way here
If the crowd had any say at all he'd win by a mile
Needs to get teh speed back up
Pulls out his final triple flip
Now he can really light it up in that last part of this program
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 151.51
80.39 (SP) + 151.51 (FS) = 231.90

Saturday, January 29, 2011

2011 US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Ladies Free Skate

The ladies free skate is my favorite event of senior Nationals. I remember watching Michelle Kwan as a little girl, just mesmerized by her performances, and this event still has that effect on me. I wish all of these ladies well and hope they all skate to the best of their abilities.
**Denotes my USFSA Fantasy Skating Team

1) Tatyana Khazova

Music: Secrets of Saint-Petersburg

Nice drama here at the beginning of the progam
I dont love the gloves, they cut off her leg line
Double loop-single loop combo
Nice double axel
She is injured so that may effect her jumping content
Double lutz, double toe, double loop
Tatyana is muscling through this with a lot of fight and determination
Though she is doubling most of her jumps, she is showing so much will and heart
FS Score: 26.25 (TES) + 32.46 (PCS) = 58.91
26.58 (SP) + 58.91 (FS) = 85.49

2) Felicia Zhang

Music:

Felicia has withdrawn due to injury
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) =
41.23 (SP) + (FS) =

3) Keli Zhou

Music: Deception

I love this dress on her, the purple suits her well and the gradiant into white is lovely
Good attack on the double axel, nice double toe tacked on
Nice triple salchow, slight bobble on the ending
I like her twist position in the sit spin and the fly out of it
Pretty nice spiral, she should lift her chest a little more so we can see her face
I love the way you see that white edge of her skirt move in her spins
Looked like she may have doubled her salchow
Some good turns in the step sequence, would love more work from the upper body
Pretty nice leg catch spin
A big improvement over the short, good for her!
FS Score: 37.48 (TES) + 36.73 (PCS) = 74.21
41.38 (SP) + 74.21 (FS) = 115.59

4) Katy Jo West

Music: Ragtime

I love ragtime, but I think this costume is a little too 1920s for that music
Hand down on opening triple toe
Fall on a triple salchow, just didnt get her feet untwisted
Nice transition into the "Your Daddy's Son" portion of the program
I would like more fluidity in this section and more grace in her arms
Katy could really benefit from some ballet
She has a great smile, but as she matures she'll learn to show more emotional range
FS Score: 36.01 (TES) + 37.73 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 72.74
40.07 (SP) + 72.74 (FS) = 112.81

5) Raina Narita

Music: West Side Story

Being a New Yorker, I hope she can really find the character of this piece
Bernstein's music is so brilliant, so many nuances to make use of
Too tilted in the triple lutz to hold onto the landing
Nice fluidity in her arms
She could work on her flexibility in her back and hips to increase her scores
Her feet were too wrapped on her second triple lutz attempt to hold the landing
Pops open the first jump of her combination
She looks very tired and seems to be throwing away the in-between movements as she tries to hang onto her elements
FS Score: 30.73 (TES) + 32.06 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 60.79
33.75 (SP) + 60.79 (FS) = 94.54

6) Kristiene Gong **

Music: Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils

Kristiene is the C-pick from my fantasy team so I'm wishing her to do her best
She did a nice job on the Jr Grand Prix this season and put up some big scores so I'm hoping she can do that again
Frank Carroll is coaching another Salome routine
Nice double axel-triple toe combination, I hear that is becoming a popular combination these days
She hits some nice spin positions, but the transitions between them could be smoothed out
Triple sal-double loop-double loop is her one allowed three jump combination
Kristiene is really putting up a solid show right here, I am quite proud
Nice overall skater there, she'll go far
FS Score: 57.17 (TES) + 42.01 (PCS) = 99.18
44.12 (SP) + 99.18 (FS) = 143.30

7) Ellie Kawamura

Music: El Tango de Roxanne/Tango de los Exilados

I love that pink underlayer to her skirt and how we see flashes of it when she jumps and spins
It is nice to see a color other than red for a latin number
Popped that triple loop
Nice double axel double toe to get right back on her game
She had a lot of flair and spanish nuances at the beginning, lets hope she continues that
Hand down
Nice use of accents in the choreography
FS Score: 34.87 (TES) + 41.88 (PCS) = 76.75
45.19 (SP) + 76.75 (FS) = 121.94

8) Kelsey Traunero

Music: Pirates of the Caribbean

That costume is a little too period-specific for me
Nice triple flip-double toe combo, very solid
Nice triple flip, she gets those out of the way fast
Falls on a triple toe, maybe too quick on the takeoff
Double axel clean, botches the combo
Good solid double axel
She seems really committed to the program
Very good speed going into her layback
She is definitely skating lights out, just whipping through everything
The dancer in me wants her to drop that hip on the spiral
FS Score: 47.24 (TES) + 39.78 (PCS) -1.00 (DED)= 86.02
42.28 (SP) + 86.02 (FS) = 128.30

9) Melissa Balunhagui

Music: Rachmaninoff selections

I hope she does the triple axel
She is a solid jumper, that was a nice triple lutz
Solid triple flip
She seems to be forgetting her in between movements
There isn't much choreography here, just jump to jump to jump
The musicality isn't working, she seems like a skater who would connect more with a contemporary piece or a character piece
FS Score: 55.11 (TES) + 44.06 (PCS) = 99.17
45.36 (SP) + 99.17 (FS) = 144.53

10) Danielle Kahle

Music: La Strada

I like her costume, very elegant
Turns out of her triple loop, ends it in a lunge
Very tilted in the air on her triple lutz, falls
Takes another fall, unfortunately this program isn't starting the way she'd have wanted
She seems to be forgetting about her choreography and the performance element here
Danielle's jumps just aren't here today, she seems she can't get her legs under her
This is a performance she will want to forget
FS Score: 34.63 (TES) + 39.11 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 71.74
45.87 (SP) + 71.74 (FS) = 117.61

11) Kristine Musademba

Music: Elizabeth: The Golden Age

She has a lot of talent, I'd love to see her land her jumps cleanly
She is really going after these jumps too so when she falls, the falls are hard falls
Nice triple salchow, I think she is getting her stride back
Kristine really seems shaky today, so sad because I love what I see when she is clean
Kristine has such great moments and some wonderful qualities but I wish she could have shown them today
FS Score: 36.13 (TES) + 42.46 (PCS) -2.00 (DED) = 76.59
46.94 (SP) + 76.59 (FS) = 123.53

12) Alexe Gilles

Music: Adagio/Nocturne/Bohemian Rhapsody

Nice triple lutz to start off
Fall on a double axel, she lost the combination for that
She is a lovely skater if she can land her jumps
This is gorgeous music and she does a lovely job of interpreting it
This is a lovely combination of musical selections
Pops the takeoff there
She seems to psych herself out if she makes a mistake on one jump, they all go
I'd love to see her have a really good nationals
She has a nice footwork sequence, but I'd like to see her have more control over her arms
I want her to be more of a fighter for these jumps
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 76.00
47.75 (SP) + 76.00 (FS) = 123.75

13) Caroline Zhang

Music: Cello Conerto in B Minor by Dvorak

I'm praying for a good skate for Caroline
Nice triple flip combination
She has improved that high free leg
Fall on a triple lutz, high free leg came back
Another fall on her triple salchow
Nice triple loop combination
Caroline is really falling apart
I want her to love skating again
Its so sad that she is abandoning her choreography as well
I just want her too fight, just like Alexe, I know she can land these if she tries
Fabulous pearl spin
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 92.47
48.48 (SP) + 92.49 (FS) = 140.95

14) Joelle Forte

Music:

Nice triple flip opener
Nice triple lutz, may get an edge call, but decent combination
I had the tights folded over the boot
There is not much here in terms of choreography, but she is landing those jumps
Very nice skate, Joelle will be happy with that
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 102.25
47.03 (SP) + 102.25 (FS) = 149.28

15) Yasmin Siraj

Music: Misa Tango

Her piano background definitely helps her musicality
She had a good international season, qualified for the Jr Grand Prix Final
Pops the triple flip to a single
Triple lutz combo gets her right back into it
She could loosen up her upper body to get better flow
Double axel-falls on the triple toe
She is so tiny, but has a very mature, wise look about her
Nice performance of her choreography
Good triple lutz, she is getting her feet back under her
Starting to show a little sass here
Very nice donut spin position, lost a lot of the speed at the end
She is going to be a force to be reckoned with if she takes time to develop and doesn't rush herself too much
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 102.56
49.91 (SP) + 102.56 (FS) = 152.47

16) Morgan Bell

Music:

She really impressed me in the short, her first nationals ever
Nice opening jump, then a fall
I really hope she doesn't unravel here, it would be great to see a good skate from her
Apparently she really struggled in practice today
She is struggling with her jumps
The pressure of TV may be getting to Morgan
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 69.84
49.73 (SP) + 69.84 (FS) = 119.57

17) Ashley Wagner

Music: Malaguena

Come on Ashley, do it like Cup of Russia
So much sass right here at the beginning
She is making use of every note of the music with choreography
Nice double axel, triple toe was maybe two-footed
Perfect triple lutz
Lovely spin positions
I want a huge score for her
She has so much spirit in this spiral sequence
I like that her spin positions are tailored to her choreography and the theme of the program
Most people don't do Malaguena justice, but she is working it
All the jumps are fabulous, just a totally different skater than in the short
Work it girl
Just popped open her last jump, probably got a little too into the performance
Nice attack and energy in the footwork sequence
Not the perfect skate I wanted for her, but should put her in first for now
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 110.73
54.63 (SP) + 110.73 (FS) = 165.36

18) Vanessa Lam

Music: Intro et Rondo Capriccioso

She has super long legs
She has nice body carriage for a young skater
Definitely needs to be more expressive
Wonderful technique and she has a great frame to build on
She got her legs really wrapped up underneath her and fell, unfortunately
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) =
57.61 (SP) + (FS) =

19) Agnes Zawadzki

Music: Ziegeunerweisen/Hungarian Rhapsody

I want her to really light up
Kill it Agnes
Double axel into a triple
Too much momentum going into that spin
Doubled her lutz
She has really nice presence on the ice, very committed to the presentation aspect
Huge triple lutz into combination
Hard fall on her triple loop
Nice three jump series
She has a lot of musicality, maturity as a performer
She has a lot of potential
She is getting a bit heavy on her feet, running out of steam a little
She does a pretty nice I-spin, needs to straighten that bottom leg
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 112.30
61.54 (SP) + 112.30 (FS) = 173.84

20) Christina Gao **

Music: Yellow River Concerto

Nice triple-triple
She looks like she is on today, she really has her legs under her
Once she learns how to really use her long limbs, she'll be a sight to behold
She just did a three jump combo but I missed it because of the camera angle
I love the skirt movement, it really helps to highlight her speed
She is really lighting it up today
Fall on on a triple flip attempt
She really held on for dear life on that last jump
Pretty good performance for Christina, good showing and so much potential
FS Score: 55,58 (TES) + 54.19 (PCS) -1.00 (DED) = 108.77
58.43 (SP) + 108.77 (FS) = 167.20

21) Alissa Czisny **

Music: Winter & Spring by George Winston

I love that opening arm moment
Triple lutz-Double toe was clean
Triple flip very nice
So calm and lovely
Triple toe-double toe- double loop
Triple loop, turn out of it, but a turn out of it
Gorgeous spiral sequence
Second triple lutz, double toe
Triple salchow
Wonderful spins, just exquisite
She is killing the footwork now that she knows she has done her job with the jumps
Final spin was spectacular
Nobody does a Biellmann like that
I really just want to cry for her
FS Score: 64.19 (TES) + 64.55 (PCS) = 128.74
62.50 (SP) + 128.74 (FS) = 191.24

22) Mirai Nagasu

Music: Memoirs of a Geisha

Alright let's see if she's tacked her demons or not
Triple lutz had a wide free leg-nice triple toe
Double axel-double combo
She seems to be skating conservatively
She is concentrating really hard, seems pretty tight
She is not going all out
This is the 3rd costume of the year for this program
Step out of that last jump there
She just doesn't seem committed to the choreography or the performance, very conservative
That error on the camel spin could have cost her the podium
FS Score: 53.45 (TES) + 60.45 (PCS) = 113.91
63.35 (SP) + 113.91 (FS) = 177.26

23) Rachael Flatt

Music: Slaughter on Tenth Avenue

Nice double axel, bobble on the triple
Double Lutz
Good performance commitment
Lovely triple flip
She is feeling this performance
She needs some work on that arabesque spiral
Attacked the triple lutz-double toe
Nice three jump series
Good triple there, she needs one more triple
Definitely more performance quality than Mirai
Step out of her final triple
Beautiful Ina Bauer on a nice long curve
We'll see how these scores pan out
FS Score: (TES) + (PCS) = 121.06
62.32 (SP) + 121.06 (FS) = 183.38

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 2 Days!

Amanda Dobbs (Peninsula FSC)

2008 US Jr. Nationals 5th
2008 Jr. Grand Prix Final 7th
2009 US Jr. Nationals 7th
2010 US Nationals 6th
2010 Four Contintents 4th
2011 Cup of China 6th

Amanda is one of those brave skaters who competes at the senior level in singles and pairs, but unlike most who tend to be stronger in one, Amanda's placements last year were nearly identical in each discipline. She finished 6th in Senior ladies and 7th in Senior pairs. It seems that she is not planning to compete at Nationals in pairs this year, so I assume she is choosing to focus on singles and I think that renewed focus could be really great for her. I love her Moon River short program and she really emulates Audrey Hepburn's elegance. I am a little concerned about her free skate choice of Concierto de Aranjuez as it may be a little too mature for her. But her coaches are Jenni Meno and Todd Sand and as US National Champions and World medalists, I will trust their judgement. Look for Amanda to try to improve on her top 6 finish from last season with a goal of the top 5 in Greensboro.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

2011 US Figure Skating Championships: Junior and Novice Previews

Check out my friend's posts over at icemusings.blogspot.com for previews of the Junior and Novice competitions at the 2011 US Figure Skating Championships. I will be blogging sporadically about these events, but will mostly be focusing on the Senior competition. Check in with both of us throughout the next two weeks for full coverage of the 2011 Nationals in Greensboro!

http://icemusings.blogspot.com/2011/01/us-nationals-junior-ladies-preview.html
http://icemusings.blogspot.com/2011/01/us-nationals-junior-mens-preview.html
http://icemusings.blogspot.com/2011/01/us-nationals-novice-dance-preview.html
http://icemusings.blogspot.com/2011/01/us-nationals-novice-pairs-preview.html
http://icemusings.blogspot.com/2011/01/us-nationals-novice-ladies-preview.html
http://icemusings.blogspot.com/2011/01/us-nationals-novice-mens-preview.html

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 3 Days!

Richard Dornbush (All Year FSC)

2008 US Jr. Nationals 4th
2008 Jr. Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist
2010 US Nationals 11th
2010 US Jr. Grand Prix Final Champion

I have yet to see any of Richard's programs this season, but I hear his Sherlock Holmes free skate is quite a sight to see and I will look forward to seeing it in Greensboro. What I can tell by looking at his scores is that he has had a rollercoaster of a season. His score of 52.74 at the Junior Grand Prix of Austria was the lowest international short program score for a Senior US Man this entire season, but his 70.75 at the Junior Grand Prix Final was just below what Brandon Mroz scored at Trophee Eric Bompard. His 109.16 free skate at the JGP of Austria was third from the bottom this season but his 148.81 was the second highest free skate score posted internationally by a US man all season. In terms of total scores, his 219.56 from the Junior Grand Prix Final places him second to only Adam Rippon but his total score from the JGP of Austria is the lowest by a US man this entire season. Let's hope that "good Richard" shows up in Greensboro, because that Richard can seriously contend for the podium.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 4 Days!

Alexe Gilles (Broadmoor SC)

2007 US Novice Nationals 5th
2007 Jr. Grand Prix Final 6th
2008 Jr. Nationals 5th
2008 Jr. Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist
2009 Jr. National Champion
2010 US Nationals 8th
2010 Four Continents 9th
2010 Skate Canada 11th
2010 Skate America 12th

Alexe is one of those skaters who really showed so much promise as a junior but can't seem to get out of her own head enough to have success on the senior level. She is so beautiful to watch when she is doing well but she seems to struggle with self-confidence issues, especially this year on the Grand Prix. It was sad to see her meltdown at Skate Canada when her programs were so gorgeous. She showed us glimpses of what she can do at Skate America with a lovely triple-triple in her short program, but seemed to doubt herself again and suffered a few falls in the short and the long. For her sake, I would love to see her pull off an excellent short program in Greensboro, make the final warm-up group for the free skate, and pull out a top 6 finish. She recently graduated from high school and I don't know what her future plans are, but with her grace and elegance, she would make an excellent show skater as well.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 5 Days!

Britney Simpson & Nathan Miller (Broadmoor SC)

2009 US Junior Pewter Medalists
2009 Jr. Grand Prix Final 6th
2010 US Junior Silver Medalists
2010 Skate Canada 6th
2010 Cup of Russia 7th

This team actually made quite a senior Grand Prix debut for a young pair team, finishing 6th and 7th respectively at Skate Canada and Cup of Russia. Though they are currently ranked only 26th in the world, that is not terribly shabby for a senior debut season. I like their youthful energy and exuberance, which really shows in their Pink Panther short program. I am not crazy about their selection of Moonlight Sonata for the free skate because I think they lack the maturity to play to its nuances and I will always believe that that piece belongs to Gordeeva and Grinkov. Their scores place them 5th among US pairs who have competed on the Senior Grand Prix Circuit this seasons, but we must not forget Marley and Brubaker who also outscored them with their Nesquik Cup performance. Their goal for this season was to receive International assignments and they achieved that by competing in two Grand Prix events. Their next goal should be a top 6 finish in Greensboro which should be easily achievable for them if they have put in some hard work in the past two months.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 6 Days!

Rachel Tibbetts & Collin Brubaker (Chicago FSC)

2010 US Junior National Championships

This will be their senior debut at US Nationals and a good goal for them would be to make the top 6. That would be a really strong showing for them. From what I saw at Skate Canada, they have nice intensity and attack in their programs, but they lack the technical levels and difficulty of the top teams in the world. They show a lot of promise and passion for their sport so once they get a few more years under their belt, they may prove themselves as a competitive team.

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 7 Days!

Grant Hochstein (St Clair Shores FSC)

2009 US Nationals Jr. 4th place
2009 Jr. Grand Prix Final 5th place
2010 US Nationals 7th
2010 US Collegiate Championships Champion
2010 Skate Canada 10th

At only 20, Grant is relatively young for a male figure skater and still has plenty of time to mature before the next Olympic run in 2014 for Sochi. For the few programs that I've seen of his, he seems to struggle with technical consistency, but he does have a lovely lyrical quality to his skating and maturity as a performer. In terms of scoring, his Skate Canada numbers put him 2nd to last in the short program among US senior men who competed internationally. However, his free skate scores and total scores put him much higher in the rankings near the likes of Keegan Messing, Jason Brown, and Ross Miner. He made an impressive senior national debut last season at 7th and he'll look to improve upon that in Greensboro by placing in the top 6.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 8 Days!

Caroline Zhang (All Year FSC)

2006 Junior Grand Prix Final Champion
2007 US Jr. Silver Medalist
2007 Jr. World Champion
2008 US Pewter Medalist
2008 Jr. World Silver Medalist
2009 US Bronze Medalist
2009 Jr. World Silver Medalist
2010 US Nationals 11th
2010 Four Continents Bronze Medalist

Caroline is a skater who enjoyed great success as a Junior and many expected she would make the Olympic team in 2010. When she moved up to the senior ranks nationally, she made the podium twice and continued to have success internationally as a junior, winning gold once and silver twice. Unfortunately she fell off a bit in the past two years, some of which can be attributed to technical issues, but most of which is mind and confidence-based. Caroline was a little jumping machine with amazing flexibility when she was younger, but when it came time to show maturity in her skating, some technical deficiencies were revealed and she began to suffer downgrades and under-rotation calls on her jumps. She is taking this season to revamp her jumping technique, much like World champion Mao Asada. I wish her well at Nationals this year and truly hope she can make a comeback. It would be so unfortunate for her to go down in history as the skater that could have been great. Fortunately she is only 17 and she still has time to regain her skills and mature as an artist in time to make a splash internationally and qualify for Sochi in 2014.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 9 Days!

Felicia Zhang & Taylor Toth (The SC of New York)

2010 US Junior National Champions

I first caught this team on this year's senior Grand Prix circuit at Skate America. What I remember most is a side by side spin sequence in their free skate where one's blade got too close for comfort to the other's face. Peter Carruthers made a comment that under the new judging system, inexperienced pairs are trying elements that are too difficult before they are ready to perform them safely. I think this may be the case with this pair and while I think they have a lot of potential and a bright future ahead of them, they still look very much like a junior pair. I found their music choice of Clair de Lune to be a bit mature for their age and level, but I like their free program to Miss Saigon and found it age appropriate. This is a young team that could definitely have a future in pairs skating if they can master the basics before they move on to difficult elements. I predict they will be in the second to last warm up group for the free skate in Greensboro and finish in the second flight of pair teams.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 10 Days!

Isabella Cannuscio & Ian Lorello (University of Delaware FSC)

2009 Junior Grand Prix Final 6th
2010 National Junior Pewter Medalists

This team has a nice look on the ice and they will be a team to watch in the upcoming seasons. They have two really nice programs this year, a short dance to Billy Joel's Piano Man and a free dance to West Side Story. I can tell they are still working to master all of their elements and improve on their technical levels but they made a wonderful showing on the senior Grand Prix circuit this season and also showed improvement from their performances in China to their programs in France. West Side Story is so overused in ice dance, but I really like their choreography and it plays on the dynamics and intricacies of the music. They also bring a nice youthful quality to the performance and really commit to their characters of Tony and Maria. I look forward to seeing even more improvement on these programs at Nationals and I think they will make a strong showing and land in the second flight of teams just below the podium finishers. Their goals this season were to get an international assignment and to finish in the top 5 at Nationals. Well they competed in two Grand Prix events so they can check off number one and if they keep improving, they very well may be able to check off their second goal as well.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 11 Days!

Ross Miner (SC of Boston)

2009 US Jr. Champion
2009 World Jr. Championships 10th
2009 Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist
2010 NHK Trophy 9th
2010 Cup of China 7th

At only 19, Ross is still young for a male figure skater. He missed Nationals last year due to injury so he is actually in a good position going into Nationals this season. He has no National standing to lose so he can really go all out and try to make a splash. He has a lot of charisma for someone so young and his performances give off a very "old hollywood vibe." I would love to see him skate to Cole Porter or Gershwin. He looks like he could be the little brother of Jeremy Abbott, but in terms of skating quality he actually reminds me of a young Todd Eldredge. I don't know if he has the technical content or the experience to compete with the likes of Abbott, Rippon, and Mroz, but who knows, this young skater just may surprise the field and end up on the podium in Greensboro!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 12 Days!

Christina Gao (Northern Kentucky SC)

2009 US Jr. Bronze Medalist
2009 Jr. Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist
2010 US Nationals 5th
2010 World Jr. Championships 8th
2010 Jr. Grand Prix Final 6th

Christina made a great senior debut last year at Nationals, placing 5th behind Rachael Flatt, Mirai Nagasu, Ashley Wagner, and Sasha Cohen. After a disappointing 8th place finish at the Junior Worlds last year, she chose to remain a junior for this year's Grand Prix and won silver at both of her events, qualifying for the Grand Prix Final. She came back with a strong free skate after an underwhelming short program, but still finished 6th overall. Christina is well trained, studying under Brian Orser and alongside Adam Rippon in Toronto, and she is improving fast. She is only 16 and will certainly be one to watch in Sochi in 3 years. Look for her to be in the final warm-up group for the ladies free skate in Greensboro if all goes as planned, along with Rachael Flatt, Mirai Nagasu, Ashley Wagner, Alissa Czisny, and Agnes Zawadzki.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 14 Days!

Lynn Kriengkrairut & Logan Giulietti-Schmitt (Ann Arbor FSC)

2007 US Junior Bronze Medalists
2007 World Junior Championships 11th
2009 US Nationals 8th
2010 US Nationals 8th
2010 Skate America 6th

I must admit that I haven't paid much attention to this team the past few seasons at Nationals but they really caught my eye at Skate America this season. Their short dance to "The Trouble With Love Is" is very sensual and they really have a knack for emoting and connecting with each other out on the ice. They have nice speed across the ice but the best thing about this team is the visual aesthetic they create. They are close in height and Lynn has long legs so some of the positions she hits are quite breathtaking, particularly in rotational lifts. They said their goals for this season were to receive a Grand Prix assignment and to medal at Nationals. Well they can put a check beside the first one and the second one may be within reach since the US Nationals allows four on the podium. I think that Davis/White, Chock/Zuerlein, and the Shibutanis have the top three slots locked up, bet there is definitely room for Lynn & Logan to land in fourth if they can deliver two inspired programs in Greensboro.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 22 Days!

Madison Chock & Greg Zuerlein (Arctic FSC)

2008 Junior Grand Prix Final Champions
2009 US Junior National Champions
2009 Junior World Champions
2010 US Nationals 5th
2010 Four Continents Championships 5th
2010 Skate Canada Bronze Medalists
2010 Trophee Eric Bompard Bronze Medalists

Madison & Greg had a great Grand Prix this season, finishing 3rd in both of their events and 8th overall in the Grand Prix series. With only 2 or 3 of the top teams in the world skipping the Grand Prix this season, this puts Madison & Greg in a great position to place in the top 10 at worlds. Of course they will have to qualify for their first senior worlds, but barring any major disasters, they should easily make the podium. With Davis & White untouchable in the US, the real battle should be for silver between this team and Maia & Alex Shibutani. Interestingly enough, all three teams are coached by Marina Zoueva & Igor Shpilband. They train together everyday so they know what to expect from one another and they push each other to be better. I am torn because I love the Shibutanis' short dance to the Carousel Waltz, but I love Chock & Zuerlein's free dance to Cabaret. Based on Grand Prix scores, the Shibutanis have about a 4-point edge over Chock & Zuerlein, but those extra 2 months of training between the Grand Prix and Nationals can do wonders for most teams. I find the Shibutanis to be stronger technically while I enjoy watching Chock & Zuerlein more as performers. Either way I love them both and have no reason to believe they won't win silver and bronze at nationals right behind Davis & White and make a great showing at their first senior Worlds. This is certain to be a battle royale in Greensboro and the senior free dance is the event I am most looking forward to at the 2011 US Nationals.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: 24 Days!

Alissa Czisny (Detroit SC)

2005 US Collegiate Champion
2005 Skate Canada Champion
2009 US Collegiate Champion
2009 US National Champion
2010 Skate Canada Champion
2010 Grand Prix Final Champion

Alissa is an incredibly talented skater, but like the other US Ladies' skaters of this generation, she struggles with consistency in her jumps. Her spins are among the best in the world and she is one of the most graceful and elegant skaters competing today. Though she never received the same international recognition, she reminds me so much of Sasha Cohen in that she has moments of such brilliance in her skating that are often eclipsed by mistakes in her jumps. I've always doubted that Alissa could come up big in a clutch situation, but she proved me wrong this season, winning the Grand Prix Final. Not only did she win, but she beat a very strong field of talented skaters who put up solid programs. This event was the first time I have ever remembered Alissa putting together 2 clean programs in the same competition and it was such a treat to see her at her best. If she can put together two clean programs at Nationals, she may regain her National Title, but more importantly she will be all but guaranteed a spot at the World Championships. Since the US only has slots to send 2 ladies to Worlds, it will be crucial for these skaters to put together clean programs and try to place in the top two, though there is a chance the USFSA may elect to send another skater to the World Championships even if they do not place among the top two. Alissa has done well internationally this season and may be sent to Worlds regardless of her placement at nationals, but it is in her best interest to do well at nationals to build on her confidence going into Worlds and to prove that her Grand Prix Final win was not a fluke. Though other skaters may most likely top Alissa on the technical mark, look for her to outscore the rest of the ladies field at Nationals on program components, the old artistic mark. I would say that her biggest competition will come from Rachael Flatt or Mirai Nagasu, but in the case, Alissa's biggest competition is herself and if she can stay out of her own way, she can really shine in Greensboro in January.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Countdown to US Figure Skating Championships: Senior Practice Groups

The following are the scheduled practice groups for the 2011 US Senior National Figure Skating Championships. The practice schedule is as follows

http://www.northcarolina2011.com/documents/2011USFSChampsMatrixScheduleDraft11.6_000.pdf

Championship Dance Practice Group A
Maia Shibutani & Alex Shibutani
Rachel Tibbetts & Collin Brubaker
Alissandra Aronow & Zachary Donohue
Kristen Nardozzi & Robert Cuthbertson
Championship Dance Practice Group B
Madison Hubbell & Keiffer Hubbell
Isabella Cannuscio & Ian Lorello
Meredith Zuber & Kyle Herring
Alison Carey & Ryan Van Natten
Championship Dance Practice Group C
Meryl Davis & Charlie White
Lynn Kriengkrairut & Logan Giulietti-Schmitt
Katherine Pilgrim & Alexander Lorello
Ginna Hoptman & Pavel Filchenkov
Championship Dance Practice Group D
Madison Chock & Greg Zuerlein
Shannon Wingle & Timothy McKernan
Katharine Zeigler & Baxter Burban

Championship Ladies Practice Group A
Rachael Flatt
Caroline Zhang
Kristine Musademba
Tatyana Khazova
Samantha Cesario
Danielle Kahle
Championship Ladies Practice Group B
Mirai Nagasu
Amanda Dobbs
Alexe Gilles
Kristiene Gong
Melissa Bulanhagui
Katy Jo West
Championship Ladies Practice Group C
Ashley Wagner
Agnes Zawadzki
Christina Gao
Ellie Kawamura
Kiri Baga
Felicia Zhang
Morgan Bell
Championship Ladies Practice Group D
Alissa Czisny
Yasmin Siraj
Vanessa Lam
Joelle Forte
Kelsey Traunero
Keli Zhou

Championship Men Practice Group A
Jeremy Abbott
Ross Miner
Joshua Farris
Jason Brown
Douglas Razzano
Wesley Campbell
Championship Men Practice Group B
Ryan Bradley
Armin Mahbanoozadeh
Sean Rabbitt
Parker Pennington
Jason Wong
Christopher Caluza
Championship Men Practice Group C
Adam Rippon
Alexander Johnson
Grant Hochstein
Lloyd Ting
Andrew Gonzales
Championship Men Practice Group D
Brandon Mroz
Keegan Messing
Scott Dyer
Richard Dornbush
Jonathan Cassar

Championship Pairs Practice Group A
Caitlin Yankowskas & John Coughlin
Lindsay Davis & Themistocles Leftheris
Gretchen Donlan & Andrew Speroff
Felicia Zhang & Taylor Toth
Championship Pairs Practice Group B
Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig
Britney Simpson & Nathan Miller
Erika Smith & Nathan Bartholomay
Lisa Moore & Justin Gaumond
Championship Pairs Practice Group C
Caydee Denney & Jeremy Barrett
Mary Beth Marley & Rockne Brubaker
Tiffany Vise & Don Baldwin
Alexa Scimeca & Ivan Dimitrov
Championship Pairs Practice Group D
Marissa Castelli & Simon Shnapir
Molly Aaron & Daniyel Cohen
Chloe Katz & Joseph Lynch
Becky Bereswill & Trevor Young