2014 NHK Trophy Ladies Free Skate 11/29

[Jammers]

I think Frank has slowed down Gracie a bit in the last year because she was almost like Kostner when she was younger in that Gracie was a bit out of control.

 

[LeCygne]

That was quite a disappointing but unsurprising skate for Gracie. A typical LP for her, at least at this point in the season, seems to consist of either 3-3 or 2A-3T but not both, pop or fall on either the flip or second lutz, and a mistake on the 3 jump combination. Hope she can get it together later in the season because it's so frustrating to see these types of programs from her when you know she could win everything if clean.

GPF results will basically go in order of qualification, with Gracie and Julia potentially switched:

1. Elena
2. Liza
3. Anna
4. Gracie
5. Julia
6. Ashley

 

[Li'Kitsu]

Honestly, I really don't like Gracies skating (not one positive quality besides her SS for me), but she deserved to win here. Even if her PCS are making me want to bang my head against a wall, the gold medal has the rightful owner.

That said, I'm really miffed about Gracie and Ashley making the GPF and not Satoko. If Satoko wold have won Silver over Ashley on SC (which IMO, she should have), she would have made the GPF over Ashley. And Gracie shouldn't have been 3rd in SA either. At least when the next american fan comes along complaining about the russians scores, I know what to answer

 

[minze]

Satoko should be in the final. hwell:

 

[Shayuki]

Honestly, I really don't like Gracies skating (not one positive quality besides her SS for me), but she deserved to win here. Even if her PCS are making me want to bang my head against a wall, the gold medal has the rightful owner.

That said, I'm really miffed about Gracie and Ashley making the GPF and not Satoko. If Satoko wold have won Silver over Ashley on SC (which IMO, she should have), she would have made the GPF over Ashley. And Gracie shouldn't have been 3rd in SA either. At least when the next american fan comes along complaining about the russians scores, I know what to answer

Remember that those American fans were complaining about russians being overscored by biased judges in Skate America specifically.

I'd have preferred seeing Satoko in the final as well and I just quite dislike Leonova and think that she's always overscored, hrm. Gold should have won either way but

 

[Meoima]

Honestly, I really don't like Gracies skating (not one positive quality besides her SS for me), but she deserved to win here. Even if her PCS are making me want to bang my head against a wall, the gold medal has the rightful owner.
That said, I'm really miffed about Gracie and Ashley making the GPF and not Satoko. If Satoko wold have won Silver over Ashley on SC (which IMO, she should have), she would have made the GPF over Ashley. And Gracie shouldn't have been 3rd in SA either. At least when the next american fan comes along complaining about the russians scores, I know what to answer

Yeah, I think it's a loss that Satoko is not in the final. Her LP is such a wonderful program.

 

[wordsworthgirl]

:thumbsup:

Will I see your pleasant self in the men's thread? All your faves are in there!

Mrs P- you are a sweetheart! I am trying to stay up. It is 414 am where I am so I may not make it! I slept earlier tonight- power nap- but now am getting sleepy.

Was celebrating Thanksgiving and away from computer last night so am catching up on mens short now. So happy Jeremy did well. So sad for Josh Farris- who has become an even better skater and even better looking over the past 10 months.

 

[karlowens2]

I think Frank has slowed down Gracie a bit in the last year because she was almost like Kostner when she was younger in that Gracie was a bit out of control.

That's exactlyright.She reminds me of early Kostner. I hope she matures like K. and comes to appreciate the music more. Ther are so many beautiful things about her skaing.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

I think Frank has slowed down Gracie a bit in the last year because she was almost like Kostner when she was younger in that Gracie was a bit out of control.

So you're saying we should send Polina to Frank like ASAP?

Seriously though....what is the deal with Gracie's straight legs when she comes in for her landings? It looks so awkward sometimes and seems to slow her down which makes the jumps look less impressive. On top of that she seems to tilt while in the air ever so often. Hmm....not trying to hate on her just something I've noticed.

 

[wordsworthgirl]

Gracie comes across as being very sweet and graceful while the 3 medalists were waiting for the medal ceremony. I seldom watch ceremonies, but I don't remember seeing that positive vibe very often.

I posted a similar comment. I was very struck by how sweet she was and how nice the vibe between the 3 of them was. She was making a real effort to be friendly and to connect with them. It was unusual and very nice!

 

[Mrs. P]

That was quite a disappointing but unsurprising skate for Gracie. A typical LP for her, at least at this point in the season, seems to consist of either 3-3 or 2A-3T but not both, pop or fall on either the flip or second lutz, and a mistake on the 3 jump combination. Hope she can get it together later in the season because it's so frustrating to see these types of programs from her when you know she could win everything if clean.

GPF results will basically go in order of qualification, with Gracie and Julia potentially switched:

1. Elena
2. Liza
3. Anna
4. Gracie
5. Julia
6. Ashley

Looking at SB and totals for 2 GP events, Gracie and Anna are practically tied. Both have 191+ SB and their GP totals is 370+ for Gracie and 365+ Anna.

I do think Yulia can make a comeback. I think GPF will be more interesting than people are projecting.

 

[Li'Kitsu]

Yeah, I think it's a loss that Satoko is not in the final. Her LP is such a wonderful program.

Best ladies program this season, IMO - and she skates it so beautifully :yes:

 

[thoakun]

That said, I'm really miffed about Gracie and Ashley making the GPF and not Satoko. If Satoko wold have won Silver over Ashley on SC (which IMO, she should have), she would have made the GPF over Ashley. And Gracie shouldn't have been 3rd in SA either. At least when the next american fan comes along complaining about the russians scores, I know what to answer

Am I the only one who have no qualm about Satoko not going to Barcelona? If Satoko is reworking her jums, I wonder if the fact that she stays at home may be beneficial for her? I always forget that Satoko is only 16. I hope she will have a long and successful career and doesn't burn out early.

 

[matmuh]

its such a shame that satoko didnt make it to finals, unfortunately she made mistakes but kudos to her for thinking on her feet and changing 2A with 3T, deserved higher PCS over the season but oh well, cant be helped now can it

 

[sajoya]

I'd have preferred seeing Satoko in the final as well and I just quite dislike Leonova and think that she's always overscored, hrm. Gold should have won either way but

Let's not hate the skater personally. Instead, be upset at the judges.

 

[wordsworthgirl]

Last year at Worlds Yulia,Mao, and Caro all had a powwow. It was cute. Yulia was so lost as Caro and Mao carried on in English and she just smiled and nodded along clearly having no idea what was being said. Mao and Caro are so nice and seemed to really enjoy talking to each other. They all hugged and seemed very happy to share the podium together.

Oh I wish I'd gotten to see that! I just adore Mao- both her skating and her obviously kind and gentle personality. Caro always seemed lovely. and how cute that Yulia was just nodding sweetly along!

 

[jacob145]

3S<*+2Lo*+2Lo*
The third double loop makes this combination worth 0 point...

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

I guess you didn't notice the other competitors also made errors. I can argue that the score was bit high, but she did enough TES wise, even with the fall to win.

THIS! So annoying that some are saying Gracie was 'gifted' the gold when the other top skaters (Alena and Satoko) also had mistakes in their programs. I think one of the BBC commentators even said that Alena might finish behind Satoko after yet another mistake.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

Oh I wish I'd gotten to see that! I just adore Mao- both her skating and her obviously kind and gentle personality. Caro always seemed lovely. and how cute that Yulia was just nodding sweetly along!

Thanks for saving my post I went back to add..."every podium should be that nice" and since I'm on my phone and sleep deprived I hit 'delete' instead of 'save changes'

 

[Jammers]

So you're saying we should send Polina to Frank like ASAP?

Seriously though....what is the deal with Gracie's straight legs when she comes in for her landings? It looks so awkward sometimes and seems to slow her down which makes the jumps look less impressive. On top of that she seems to tilt while in the air ever so often. Hmm....not trying to hate on her just something I've noticed.

Nerves are what cause her stiff landings.