They're stuck with Kovtun.
No. Everybody who saw his competitions in the last two years knows: it is impossible.maxim kovtun can medal
I actually think they should send Voronov (or even Menshov) now.
Whatever their decision, that man must compete in both the team event and individual event. Speedy has cleared up the substitution rule. Substitutions for countries entering the team event due to injury or illness must be done before the start of the team event (Feb 5, 10 am deadline). If a participating athlete gets injured (Plushenko, etc) in the team event or after, he will not be replaced for the individual event. http://www.artonice.it/?q=it/node/15250
I think that russian federetion had to forget about the single competition. None of the top russian male skaters have chances for a medal there. What it counts, is the team competiotn where they need a reliable skater. So IMO is between Plushenko and Voronov.
If i were a fan of Kovtun, i would keep my finger crossed that he is not choosed. He is still too young, has a lot of time to proove himself. But f he botches in the team competition and the team wont medal, he will be the anti-hero for the people in Russia and everybody will scream why Plushenko was not sent or why not Voronov was not sent, when Kovtun has not good showings in important competions. He himself seems to have expectation beyond his place and was made thinking he is better than he is. This is not good for his future if he won't deliver it at Olympics.
Let Kovtun grow and improve without putting on his shoulders the expectation of the whole nation.
What it counts, is the team competiotn where they need a reliable skater. So IMO is between Plushenko and Voronov.
How many people would turn the TV for Kovtun or Voronov and how many people will tunr for Plushenko? I am not speaking abot FS and goldenskate-forums... But for the normal poeple who loves fight against the odds and legends beyond some PCS about which they have no idea?