Ladies: bleh. Though I am interested in the battle of the babies, Shepelen versus Tuktamisheva.
Men:
I actually think that Tretiakov could have a chance to reach the podium, he had a good outing at the NRW Trophy, 7 Triples including a clean Triple Axel. His presentation isn't that great, but I think he is a skater with more potential than Voronov - presentation wise.
There are two skaters who are juniors, who don't have any chances to reach the podium, but I am looking forward to see them.
Nikita Mikhaylov I just love to watch, such elegance and purity of skating - though he just doesn't have the jumps or the consistency. I hope for a miracle, but he isn't that young any more either (year 1989).
Alexander Nikolaev had his first international appearances this season and did quite well with a 3rd and 6th place on the JGP circuit. But he doesn't have a 3 Axel, he doesn't have much experience and looks a bit more awkward than your typical Russian skater.
Konstantin Menshov could be good for a surprise too, he was 4th at Nebelhorn Trophy and at the Coupe de Nice - which isn't overly impressive, but he is definitely ambitious, had two Quads and a 3 Axel in his long at Finlandia and didn't really fall on them (he didn't really land them cleanly either - but he didn't fall). His short program at Finlandia included a clean (+0.4 GOE) 4T-3T, he just had lousy levels on the non-jump elements. So he is Voronov's equal as far as the technical base mark is concerned. I wouldn't count this guy out.
I used to love the post-Yagudin/Plushenko generation, it was exciting to see them till one or two years ago, but nowadays it's just tiring. Dobrin was so charismatic on ice, last year he looked not himself at all, it was horrific to see. Lutai seems to have no confidence at all, at least one disastrous outing at each competition - he looks so tentative, nearly afraid out there - it makes me forget his excellent edging and the once soft feathery jumps. Griazev just seems to be one of the most unlucky skaters around, all those injuries, followed by inconsistent outings - combined with relatively bland programs and no progress performance-wise.
Borudulin is the future for sure, but he definitely disappointed me with his low technical content this season so far. I liked him better than Rippon last season, but this year Rippon impressed me much more with his gutsy outings, and the progress he made on the artistic side. Borudulin seemed to have regressed a bit. I don't think he will make the podium.
1. Menshov
2. Voronov
3. Tretiakov
Originally Posted by russell30
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