Elena Ilinykh & Ruslan Zhiganshin

[MK's Winter]

Testa/Csolley are now 276 points infront of Elena and Ruslan, which means they have to win Saransk to surpass them in the World Rankings, otherwise they are again in the first warm-up group at COC together with the Chinese couples. I know that start order didn`t hurt them last year, but it would be good if they could skate together with C/L and C/B in the second group hwell:

This is why I was hoping they would do Finlandia. I think they can win Saransk. I want them in the second group in COC though.

 

[lauravvv]

S/B are removed from the entry list and so are I/Z, so there was all hope for Finlandia! We will have to wait until Saransk.

Sorry to be a bad fan, but at this point I am more relieved that Weaver/Poje haven't been removed from the list which hopefully means that either the rumor about Weaver's injury is not true, or it's not very serious. As for Elena and Ruslan, I wan't to see them at competition and how the programs have progressed very much, but we'll see them soon enough anyway (hopefully there will be videos if no live stream). Although I agree that it would be better for them to compete against Weaver/Poje than against Bobrova/Soloviev now, as they are not expected to win over Weaver/Poje this season anyway, and it would be interesting (and perhaps even beneficial) to see if Elena and Ruslan can get closer to them, but loosing to Bobrova/Soloviev, while nothing terrible, can still send the wrong message to the Russian federation and judges at the GP events. But it will still be interesting, and, on the other hand, if they manage to get close enough to B/S, then it might even be good for them.

 

[tulosai]

S/B are removed from the entry list and so are I/Z, so there was all hope for Finlandia! We will have to wait until Saransk.

Too bad

 

[Alba]

As for Elena and Ruslan, I wan't to see them at competition and how the programs have progressed very much, but we'll see them soon enough anyway (hopefully there will be videos if no live stream). Although I agree that it would be better for them to compete against Weaver/Poje than against Bobrova/Soloviev now, as they are not expected to win over Weaver/Poje this season anyway, and it would be interesting (and perhaps even beneficial) to see if Elena and Ruslan can get closer to them, but loosing to Bobrova/Soloviev, while nothing terrible, can still send the wrong message to the Russian federation and judges at the GP events. But it will still be interesting, and, on the other hand, if they manage to get close enough to B/S, then it might even be good for them.

or win. You know, there is another option also and my guess is they're aiming for that.

 

[bramweld]

or win. You know, there is another option also and my guess is they're aiming for that.

Yeah, what about that option If only they could have the type of performance they had at COR. If they could really just bring it and leave no doubt. Man, it could be so epic. They have the heart of real champions. Let me go back to praying for them, cause they need to bring it every time they step on the ice this season. Bring it guys !!

 

[Marta25]

Although they are always so modest and down to earth in their interviews, that winning is their main goal and not just in Saransk. I`m just excited to see how their programs look like after 1 month of polishing them. I also wonder if Ruslan will wear black in the FD, to be the frame to her picture or if he will also wear something more colorful and I can`t wait to see his hairflip during the WWRY part of the SD again.

 

[lauravvv]

or win. You know, there is another option also and my guess is they're aiming for that.

Yeah, what about that option If only they could have the type of performance they had at COR.

Yes, I know that there is that option too, but I am trying not to bring my hopes up - at least for the beginning of the season. At the test skates Bobrova/Soloviev looked readier than Elena and Ruslan - I know that they will have improved by Saransk, but there is no reason to believe that B/S will have stayed where they were at the test skates and their first competition in Samara. Besides, Elena and Ruslan are still a new team, all of their elements are not that great (for instance, Bobrova/Soloviev have better spins at this point), and their programs are quite difficult, so it can take more time to polish them. That's why I am hoping, but not too much.

 

[bramweld]

Yes, I know that there is that option too, but I am trying not to bring my hopes up - at least for the beginning of the season. At the test skates Bobrova/Soloviev looked readier than Elena and Ruslan - I know that they will have improved by Saransk, but there is no reason to believe that B/S will have stayed where they were at the test skates and their first competition in Samara. Besides, Elena and Ruslan are still a new team, all of their elements are not that great (for instance, Bobrova/Soloviev have better spins at this point), and their programs are quite difficult, so it can take more time to polish them. That's why I am hoping, but not too much.

I have to disagree with you there. To my untrained eye, looking at blade to ice and just sheer sophistication of programs, I wasn't particularly impressed with B/S. Their elements, in particular lifts and twizzles were not as good or consistent. Their step sequences though more in hold were smaller and maybe only a tiny bit smoother. With regard to dynamic movement across the ice I thought I/Z was better. The best part was actually watching Zhulin, Bobrova et al. watch with open jaws especially during the FD. Yes B/S have more experience and they have done many more run throughs of their programs but I think I/Z have a fighting chance. They may or may not win at Saransk this year but I just hope they have performances they can be proud of.

Their performances at control rentals especially of their FD has been the most impressive/impactful, IMHO, of all the FD's shown so far. That says a lot for a new team. And you do know they are grinding out those programs like beasts right now. No matter what happens this year, I hope this team always works with great choreographers they are absolutely great artists!! Hoping for the best!!

 

[LisaM]

Thankfully the judges will be international and not solely Russian - so even if the federation has a favorite, it doesn't need to show through the scores necessarily. It will however show readiness/cleanliness of elements, that's for sure.

 

[Alba]

Yes, I know that there is that option too, but I am trying not to bring my hopes up - at least for the beginning of the season. At the test skates Bobrova/Soloviev looked readier than Elena and Ruslan - I know that they will have improved by Saransk, but there is no reason to believe that B/S will have stayed where they were at the test skates and their first competition in Samara. Besides, Elena and Ruslan are still a new team, all of their elements are not that great (for instance, Bobrova/Soloviev have better spins at this point), and their programs are quite difficult, so it can take more time to polish them. That's why I am hoping, but not too much.

No, no hopes up. I'm not holding my breath for Saransk since I don't think B competitions will tell us much, about any couple in general, but I am curious to see their programs now because I think they will be more polished and complete obviously, or modified and improved, and I do think it's within their strength to win. If not, peace. Next competition. I can't wait for the GP's to start.

 

[MK's Winter]

No, no hopes up. I'm not holding my breath for Saransk since I don't think B competitions will tell us much, about any couple in general, but I am curious to see their programs now since. They will be more polished and complete obviously, or modified and improved, and I do think it's within their strength to win. If not, peace. Next competition. I can't wait for the GP's to start.

I'm keeping it positive. Ruslena for the win!

 

[Tex]

Their official VK posted a new fan video of the SD from the Russian Test skates. It has more footage pre and post skate. It has a close up of Elena and Ruslan with their coaches. Hopefully this link will work, and so sorry if it doesn't. https://m.vk.com/wall-69564002_18445

Did Elena and Ruslan sit and watch the other ice dancers perform as well? I got a kick out of the other ice dances staying to watch Elena and Ruslan's SD and FD so intently.

 

[bramweld]

Their official VK posted a new fan video of the SD from the Russian Test skates. It has more footage pre and post skate. It has a close up of Elena and Ruslan with their coaches. Hopefully this link will work, and so sorry if it doesn't. https://m.vk.com/wall-69564002_18445

Did Elena and Ruslan sit and watch the other ice dancers perform as well? I got a kick out of the other ice dances staying to watch Elena and Ruslan's SD and FD so intently.

Knowing Lena probably not.

 

[Snow63]

I have to disagree with you there. To my untrained eye, looking at blade to ice and just sheer sophistication of programs, I wasn't particularly impressed with B/S. Their elements, in particular lifts and twizzles were not as good or consistent. Their step sequences though more in hold were smaller and maybe only a tiny bit smoother. With regard to dynamic movement across the ice I thought I/Z was better. The best part was actually watching Zhulin, Bobrova et al. watch with open jaws especially during the FD. Yes B/S have more experience and they have done many more run throughs of their programs but I think I/Z have a fighting chance. They may or may not win at Saransk this year but I just hope they have performances they can be proud of.

Their performances at control rentals especially of their FD has been the most impressive/impactful, IMHO, of all the FD's shown so far. That says a lot for a new team. And you do know they are grinding out those programs like beasts right now. No matter what happens this year, I hope this team always works with great choreographers they are absolutely great artists!! Hoping for the best!!

I'm sorry, but do you really think Ruslena have more consistent and secure lifts than Bobrova/Soloviev?

And I think they're pretty much even at this point, I mean I/Z and B/S, I wouldn't bet on any team's win if both teams will skate clean. But if one of the teams will make a mistake and the other skate clean there will be no questions. So, the main goal is clean skates and better execution for both teams And Like Alba said it's just a Challenger, even Hubbel/Donohue won Challengers with 100+ poins for their FD before, and where are they now? Nowhere to be found.

 

[Marta25]

The results at ONT showed that anything is possible. CB beating the Shibs in the PCS score and overall would have been unthinkable few seasons ago, but here we are. It is only a Senior B, so losing it will not be the end of the world and winning it will not mean, they are going to beat BS for the rest of the season. I agree with Snow that they are pretty much equal, but I see more potential for Ruslena and not just for this season.

 

[Tanka]

I'm afraid I've missed the last 40 pages but now I'm back and waiting for Saransk.

It will be interesting to compare IZ and BS at one competition, regardless their placements. Like Marta25, I see more potential in Ruslena but it's their second year together with all consequent problems. BS have to prove themselves as well after missing a whole season, but they are an experienced team and have less problems to deal with. At least I see it this way.

 

[MK's Winter]

I'm afraid I've missed the last 40 pages but now I'm back and waiting for Saransk. It will be interesting to compare IZ and BS at one competition, regardless their placements. Like Marta25, I see more potential in Ruslena but it's their second year together with all consequent problems. BS have to prove themselves as well after missing a whole season, but they are an experienced team and have less problems to deal with. At least I see it this way.

If Ruslena doesn't win Saransk, I'm not going to take it to heart. B/S has a whole season off to recover and start building dances early. Ruslena did not get that luxury

 

[bramweld]

If Ruslena doesn't win Saransk, I'm not going to take it to heart. B/S has a whole season off to recover and start building dances early. Ruslena did not get that luxury

TBH, I just want to have the pleasure of seeing them dance. Plus I want to see their costumes.

 

[MK's Winter]

TBH, I just want to have the pleasure of seeing them dance. Plus I want to see their costumes.

Amen. I think they will kill it no question

 

[Tanka]

TBH, I just want to have the pleasure of seeing them dance.

I'm going to Beijing in three weeks and the Great Chinese Wall isn't the only thing I want to see there with my own eyes...