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2007 Cup of Russia - Figure Skating HighlightsCompulsory Dance and the Ladies', Men's, and Pairs' Short Programs
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The fifth event of the 2007-08 ISU Grand Prix Series continued with the Cup of Russia which is being held in Moscow, Russia at the Khodynka Ice Palace.
Approximately 60 skaters from 19 different countries are competing for points and global prize monies totaling $180,000 in U.S. dollars. The points will go toward qualification for the Grand Prix Final in which the top six competitors from each discipline will be invited to compete for a total purse of $272,000 U.S. dollars.
The Grand Prix Final of Figure Skating will be held Dec. 13-16, 2007, in Torino, Italy.
The competition kicked off on Nov. 23 with the Compulsory Dance.
The Compulsory Dance (CD) of the event was the Yankee Polka, which consists of two sequences and was created by James Sladky, Judy Schwomeyer and Ron Ludington. It was first performed in 1969.
Oksana Domnina of Maxim Shabalin of Russia won the event with a personal best of 40.05 (20.78/19.27) points, placing well ahead of the French team Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat, who scored 34.87
(18.24/16.63) points.
The Russian champions' performance in the compulsory round of the competition reasserted one very simple fact: whatever questionable choices they might have made in costumes or music, Domnina and Shabalin are one of the worlds finest ice dancers.
Russia's Oksana Domnina of Maxim Shabalin earned a new personal best with their Yankee Polka in the Compulsory Dance. |
Their performance was everything the ISU handbook on ice dance required: it was bouncy without being sloppy, and the skaters remained close together throughout the dance, executing all steps and turns in excellent unison.
"The Polka is a fun dance," said Domnina, "but we skated as the tenth couple without an ice resurfacing, and it felt like [we were] on railway tracks."
"There are tracings from the other couples," she continued, "and this is dangerous. When we went out, I felt like I got caught everywhere. I think it would be better if there was still a draw for (the skating order of) the compulsory dance."
Pechalat and Bourzat were very strong technically as well, but their execution of the dance lacked the nonchalance exhibited by the Russians. Nonetheless, they scored a new personal best, improving upon the record they set just a few weeks ago at Skate America.
The French felt they put out a clean dance with strong rhythm and good expression.
"We did it even better this morning in practice," said Bourzat, "but this is competition and we are happy with what we did. We got a new personal best, but I think we still can improve our personal best in the next competition if we continue to skate well."
Bourzat also added that they liked the Waltz better than the Yankee Polka. "It suits our style better," he said, "but generally we don't have favorite compulsory dances."
Currently in third are Russia's Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev of Russia with 30.22 (15.60/14.62) points. The students of Svetlana Alexeeva showed a marked improvement over their performance from three weeks ago at Skate Canada where two stumbles forced them to settle for the sixth place in the CD. In Moscow, however, the 2007 World Junior Champions were smooth and appropriately exuberant.
The team felt the support from their friends and the home crowd in general, and felt they improved on the Polka since Skate Canada.
"We were not nervous," claimed Soloviev. "A little nervousness is always there, but it was minimal. It (the Polka) was much better without any stumbles."
The Russians also feel at home as seniors.
"We learned how to approach the competition," explained Soloviev. "It's very different (from junior events) when you go out on the same warm-up with couples like Domnina and Shabalin and Pechalat and Bourzat. You feel the responsibility, especially when you skate at home in your country."
Anastasia Grebenkina and Vazgen Azrojan of Armenia are fourth with 30.04 (15.88/14.16) points. They scored more than Bobrova and Soloviev in technique, highlighting the importance of experience for mastering the compulsory dance patterns, however, their expression was lacking.
Anna Zadorozhniuk and Sergei Verbillo of the Ukraine are currently fifth, followed by Lithuania's Katherine Copley and Deividas Stagniunas.
South Korea's Yu-na Kim earned a new seasonal best with her performance to Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss. |
South Korea's Yu-na Kim of was the winner in the Ladies Short program, while Yukari Nakano of Japan and Kiira Korpi of Finland placed second and third, respectively.
Kim delivered a nearly flawless performance to Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss, earning a new seasonal best of 63.50 (34.90/28.60) points. The 2007 World bronze medalist landed a triple flip-triple toeloop combination, but struggled a bit on the landing of her triple Lutz and singled her trademark double axel out of an Ina Bauer.
"I made a few mistakes," admitted Kim. The first error [on the Lutz] was a small mistake, then I was nervous and I missed my timing for the take-off [on the double Axel]."
Despite the mistakes, the 2006-07 Grand Prix Final champion expressed an excellent waltz character throughout her level three footwork sequence, which garnered applause from the audience. She was also awarded a level four for her layback spin and spiral sequence.
"Overall it was not a bad performance and I'm very pleased with the result," said Kim.
Nakano landed all of her planned jumps which included a triple flip-double toeloop combination, a triple Lutz, and a double Axel (out of a spread-eagled position). However, the 2007 Skate Canada silver medalist had pronounced leg wrap on her first two jumping elements, which prevented her from gaining positive GOEs despite strong landings.
While Nakano's performance lacked in sophisticated choreo, her smooth and soft edges allowed her to achieve an excellent flow throughout the program. The Japanese bronze medalist also executed superb spins in her performance to Fantasie Impromtu by Chopin, earning 60.50 (34.10/26.40) points.
"I was very nervous and the only thing I kept thinking was 'don't skate like at Skate Canada' (where she fell on the triple Lutz) and I managed it," said Nakano.
Korpi landed a triple Lutz-double toeloop combination, a triple loop, and a double Axel in her expressive program to Triunfal by Astor Piazzolla. Donned in a fetching black and white outfit, the 2007 European bronze medalist also performed strong spins and spirals, but her footwork sequence was only awarded a level two by the technical panel.
The Finn, who withdrew from Skate America due to the flu, earned a new personal best of 58.22 (33.30/24.92) points.
Performing to Take Five by Dave Brubek, Fumie Suguri of Japan appeared to be a bit slower than her main opponents, but she received high levels on her non-jumping elements except for a level two straightline footwork sequence.
The Japanese skater did much better than two weeks ago at Cup of China, landing a triple Lutz-double toeloop combination and a double Axel, but she two-footed her triple flip. The two-time Olympian earned 56.18 (32.14/24.04) points for a fourth place finish.
Canada's Joannie Rochette landed a strong double Axel in the opening of her elaborate routine to piano concertos, but fell on a triple flip in what was intended to be a triple flip-triple toeloop combination.
The 2007 Skate Canada bronze medalist went on to land a triple Lutz, but two of her spins were only awarded a level two. She is currently fifth with 50.56 (27.12/24.44) points.
A last minute addition to the roster, Russia's Katarina Gerbolt got her job done, earning a new personal best of 48.20 (27.94/20.08) points for a sixth place finish.
The 2007 Golden Spin bronze medalist landed a double Axel, a triple loop, and a triple Lutz-double toeloop combination. Two of her spins, however, received only a level one and her non-jumping elements were rather weak compared to that of the more seasoned competitors.
USA's Beatrisa Lang is currently seventh after the short, followed by Julia Sebestyen of Hungary.
China's Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang placed first in the short program after their performance to "Piano Fantasy". |
China's Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang won the Pairs Short program, despite the fact that Hao is currently suffering from a painful toothache.
Germany's Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy and Maria Mukhortova and Maxim Trankov of Russia placed second and third, respectively.
Skating before their main opponents, Zhang and Zhang left nothing to chance. The 2006 Olympic silver medalists opened their "Piano Fantasy" routine with a high triple twist (GOE +1.26), a huge throw triple loop (+1.12) and solid side-by-side triple Salchows (+1.00).
With their strongest elements completed, the students of Bin Yao relaxed a bit, losing some unison on their side-by-side spins, but the judges apparently decided the spin deserved a lot of credit and awarded them +0.30 for GOE.
The choreography of their short program is perhaps the most complex they have ever done as it relies on more than their usual speed and power, but the overall impression of their skating is still marred by their less than perfect lines and unison. Nonetheless, the Trophée Eric Bompard champions earned a score of 69.96 (40.92/29.04) points.
"We performed quite well," said Hao Zhang, "although our spins and spirals were better in France last week (at Trophée Eric Bompard)."
Savchenko and Szolkowy began their program by going almost point-by-point with the Chinese team. They received +1.40 GOE for their opening throw triple flip and +1.26 GOE for their triple twist (which received a level two in contrast to Zhang and Zhang's level one), but then Savchenko lost her balance and fell on the landing of her jump on the side-by-side triple toeloops.
This blunder settled the fate of their placement, and that realization dumped their spirit a bit. However, the 2007 World bronze medalists forged on to execute properly stylized positions in their spins and a unique level four lift.
The German champions received slightly better program component scores than the Chinese team in their routine to music from the Asoka soundtrack, but they were not able to overcome the mistake on the jump: 66.78 (37.90/29.88) points.
"This was the worst short program," said an upset Savchenko. "But we can't change it now. We just have to do better tomorrow."
Mukhortova and Trankov earned a new personal best of 63.10 (35.70/27.40) points despite making a more noticeable mistake than the one they made at Trophée Eric Bompard.
It happened on their final element - a throw triple salchow - an element used as choreographic accent. Mukhortova's turn out of the landing marred the impression of not only the element, but the program in general. The 2007 Trophée Eric Bompard bronze medalists also lost unison in the second half of their side-by-side spins, and their straightline footwork sequence received only a level one.
Nonetheless, the Russian champions produced good side-by-side triple toeloops and and a level four lift (+1.40). The team continues to improve presentation-wise, and except for the mistake on their final element, their performance to Raul di Blasio's Otonal was smoother and more powerful than ever.
"We could have skated a lot better," said Trankov. "I am not a hundred percent yet recovered (from his stiff neck) and it's affecting my concentration, but it's not too bad and it didn't really bother me tonight."
Teammates Yuko Kawaguchi and Alexander Smirnov are currently in a close fourth with a new personal best of 62.94 (37.50/25.44) points.
They opened their program to Rondo Capriccioso with side-by-side triple toeloops, but Smirnov's landing was a bit tight, thus receiving -0.60 for the GOE. Their other elements were strong, however, and the 2007 Skate Canada bronze medalists were awarded positive GOEs and high levels except for their triple twist (level one).
The newly-formed team can still improve their lines and extension, but their technical level is already very strong.
Ksenia Krasilnikova and Konstantin Bezmaternikh of Russia made a rather nice senior debut with a nearly clean short to music by Cirque du Soleil. Their routine featured side-by-side double Axels, a throw triple flip, and a level two triple twist. The two-time and current World Junior bronze medalists earned a new personal best of 53.96 (31.40/22.56) points for a fifth place finish.
Adeline Canac and Maximin Coia of France are currently sixth, followed by Estonia's Maria Sergejeva and Ilja Glebov.
Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland won the Men's Short program after his routine to Carne Cruda by Fernando Egozcue. |
Switzerland's Stephane Lambiel won the Men's Short Program, with USA's Johnny Weir right on his heels. Andrei Griazev of Russia is currently in a distant third by over 10 points.
Coming off a disastrous performance at Cup of China, Lambiel said that his main goal for this event was to put the performance in Harbin behind and skate two clean programs. He nearly reached his goal with his short program to Carne Cruda by Fernando Egozcue.
The 2006 Olympic silver medalist opened with a double Axel (he is still currently re-learning the triple Axel), but then doubled the second jump in an intended quadruple toeloop-triple toeloop combination. He also land a strong triple Lutz out of footwork and his spins received positive GOEs from the judges.
However, the true highlight of the program was the intricate choreography of his two expressive footwork sequences - one of which only received a level two.
The Swiss champion was very proud of his performance which earned a score of 80.49 (41.58/38.65) points.
"I was very confident today," said Lambiel. "I just wanted to do a clean program. That's why I didn't try the triple Axel."
Lambiel admitted that he didn't feel so confident during the six-minute warm-up.
"But after waiting in the dressing room, I was just ready to step onto the ice and fight," said the 22-year-old. "Maybe when Peter (Grütter, his coach) told me that I just should do a clean program and not take any risks, that gave me the confidence to skate [well] today."
Weir makes no secret of his love of Russia, and consequently has a huge following in Moscow. He was greeted at the Khodynka Ice Palace with more banners than all other skaters put together.
The 2007 Cup of China champion obliged and made his fans happy by nailing all three jumping passes which included a triple Lutz-triple toeloop combination, a triple Axel, and a triple flip out of footwork. The quality of his jumps earned him a combined GOE of +3.40.
Weir also improved his non-jumping elements, gaining a level four on all his spins, but his footwork only received a level two. Compared to his past programs, however, his routine to Yunona and Avos by Alexei Rybnikov lacks the intricate choreography. Nevertheless, it was a strong and clean program and enough to earn the U.S. bronze medalist a new personal best of 80.15 (43.30/36.85) points.
"I skated better at the Cup of China," acknowledged the 23-year-old, "but I am very happy with my performance today. To perform well in Moscow with the Russian music was exciting for me today, but the step sequences and spins were a little bit weak."
Griazev found himself in third with 70.95 (39.20/31.75) points despite being ranked the second-to-last skater of the competition. The 22-year-old was left off the 2007 World team and struggled with injuries this fall, but at least for a now, all those troubles seem to be over.
The Russian champion skated a clean and confident program to Didle Mourani by Space, landing a strong triple Lutz-triple toeloop combination, a triple Axel, and a good triple flip out of footwork. His non-jumping elements were also nicely done and he expressed a lot of character in the footwork sequences.
"I was supposed to skate in two other competitions, but unfortunately I wasn't able to compete there because of my [ankle] injury. Now I'm feeling much better and I don't think I'll have any problems in the future."
Yannick Ponsero of France opened his short program with a quadruple toeloop-double toeloop combination and a triple Axel, but the 2007 World Junior bronze medalist opted to do only a triple Salchow jump for his third jump pass, and later fell during a straightline footwork sequence.
Overall, the French silver medalist's routine to a remix of Otonal by Maxime Rodriguez seemed to be a rather strange choice as the skater doesn't posses the softness necessary to express the music. His elements were strong, however, and he earned 67.93 (37.38/31.55) points for a fourth place finish.
Russia's Andrei Lutai of Russia is currently fifth with 65.55 (35.50/30.05) points.
The 21-year-old landed a quadruple toeloop-double toeloop combination, a triple Axel, and a triple loop out of footwork, but he received some low levels on his spins and footwork.
The Russian silver medalist was strong and confident in his performance to music from the Truman Show soundtrack, but relatively low basic value prevented him from finishing higher.
Jeffrey Buttle of Canada experienced problems on all of his jumping
elements and currently sits in sixth place with 65.15 (30.06/35.10) points.
The 2006 Olympic bronze medalist turned out the landing of a tight triple flip-triple toeloop combination, fell out of the landing of a triple Axel, and doubled an intended triple Lutz.
The Canadian champion had strong spins and footwork, all of which received level threes, but without the most "expensive" elements of the short program, the non-jumping ones and the strong program components score could only help so much.
Takahiko Kozuka of Japan is currently in seventh, followed by Russia's Alexander Uspenski.
The event continues tomorrow with the Original Dance and the Ladies', Pair's, and Men's Long programs.
