Kasey said:Novikov will train with Olga Orlova, still with Tarasova. No news yet on Kulikova's new partner or plans.
Kasey
Kasey said:Thanks Zanzibar. I've heard other people who are frequently at the rink speak highly of both partners, and how they both are as people as well as skaters. It is indeed a shame if we don't get to see Svetlana competing this year, she is a beautiful presence on the ice.
Herios, the inital news was from a Russian message board, which was then posted at FSU at the beginning of this month. The posts are still there there, just no longer on the front page.
In fact, Svetlana Kulikova was always the stronger partner. There's a reason as to why many fans call Novikov, in a light-hearted way, "truck driver".herios said:Thanks for the details.
I am no dance expert, but someone who is, told me at Skate America this fall that Svetlana was the weaker partner of the two and this could probably explain why the split and that Novikov was paired up with Orlova.
RIskatingfan said:In fact, Svetlana Kulikova was always the stronger partner. There's a reason as to why many fans call Novikov, in a light-hearted way, "truck driver".
Not to disagree with you, RI. I think Svetlana was the stronger partner. But last season, it appeared more that Vitaliy grew more, where Svetlana stayed as she was. Maybe because she was stronger to begin with, she didn't have to work as hard? I'm not sure. She still finished the season stronger than he, I think. But I think he was catching up, and maybe working with another person who is still more in that "working" or "Catching up" phase will suit better than someone already on the more advanced level. Of course, he was injured in the beginning season, so maybe was just coming back off of that as the season progressed. It seemed to me (not an expert in ice dance, by any means) that of the errors the two made at Worlds, more were on her part than on his. Not sure, just was my impression.
Kasey
Kasey said:RIskatingfan said:In fact, Svetlana Kulikova was always the stronger partner. There's a reason as to why many fans call Novikov, in a light-hearted way, "truck driver".
I agree, he improved a lot. But so far, I still find her better. As for who makes mistakes, those are not always made by the worst partner, but the one who's less consistent. Julia Obertas is one of the best pairs skaters right now, but she always makes mistakes in the programs.Not to disagree with you, RI. I think Svetlana was the stronger partner. But last season, it appeared more that Vitaliy grew more, where Svetlana stayed as she was.
In any case, K&N Worlds performances were very messy, they lacked precision. The programs were perhaps too challenging for their level.