Congrats to Alena, Kanako and Caro, I enjoyed all three performances!
You know, I'm about as pro-American as you could get, but I think the scoring for Wagner was more or less fair. 56, maybe high 57 at best. Not only did she miss the combo, she didn't have the attack/control that was present at Nationals and 4CCs. That performance didn't announce to the world, "I'm here, I came to win and you BETTER take me seriously." She did that at 4CCs.
Ugh, this is so frustrating though. I can't be too mad at Wagner- at least she tried after she made the mistake- but Czisny, just....fhdjkasdlfdkjaklsk!!!!!!!
I agree that Alene will probably hold on to medal, and that Caro has been held up quite often. However, Caro has always had the politics on her side plus some well-choreographed programs this year, never mind a lot of "It" girl factor from her looks, and her speed, and the length of time she's been on the scene (Buzz this year from fans, politics, etc.) I think it truly helped Caro when she came to the U.S. to train briefly under Frank Carroll. Caro also seems to have confidence going for her (witness her humorous reaction at messing up slightly in the sp), but I agree that it is somewhat scandalous that Caro has been able to get away (and others too) with not actually doing all the basic jumps.
Somewhere in Japan, Miki is kicking herself for sitting out this season...
I'm very sad for Alissa. She is just not a competitor; she can skate great in practice and warm-up but is just too inconsistent. I'm not optimistic for her in the LP either, given that she really had no pressure at the last competition and still bombed. She still has a lot of pressure because there is a chance she could go clean and secure 3 spots for the US. If she was in 23rd then I'd say, yeah, no pressure.
I'm also anxious to hear from the ladies about the ice quality. I know if was a problem for many pairs and maybe we saw a lot of pops and doubles because skaters couldn't get good footing. If so, I'm really worried for the men, who have to do 3A's and quads.
Hope the skating gods would be kind to Akiko for the free skate!
![]()
not at all what I expected ...
I don't understand how people are still talking 3 spots for US. Give it up, it's over. Czisny is SIXTEENTH for crying out loud...If she lays a miracle she can perhaps pull up to 10th but what are the odds? Numerous mistakes in EVERY FS she's skated this season, and dare I say, if we've got Challenge Cup Czisny on our hands, she could even drop further in the standings!
As for Wagner, I'm slightly more optimistic that she can make up ground, since she tends to be a freeskater. At her best, I see her pulling up to 4th or 5th...and if crazy things happen, I wouldn't even rule out 3rd. But top 2 is definitely out of the question.
Bookmarks