2018-19 Ladies' power ranking

[Atlantis]

#10 Elizabet Tursunbaeva Lizbet keeps getting better. Eteri's team does yet another wonder laughing at those who claim that they can work only with "easy recyclable juniors". If she skates clean in Canada she can challenge Medvedeva. That would be a twist in this year's main saga.

Pretty sure that their students are called "recyclable" only because they bring them to the very top for just a few years before new stronger junior arises. Elizabet should be just fine if they are not gonna make her top-5 (and they are not gonna).

#5 Bradie Tennel She is good but without Medvedeva's brand or Kihira/Tuktamysheva's 3As she should be below them.

What's "Medvedeva's brand"?

 

[chopinskate]

What's "Medvedeva's brand"?

Her reputation + coaching team.

 

[Yuzuruu]

I have to admit I had this thought after Russian open skates that this could be last year for Alina, boy was I ever so wrong and happy to be wrong! fact is her lutz edge looks a little suspicious but she has grown quite visibly so even if her edge is flatter, maybe she just needs a little more time to adjust. Her loop looked UR but also - I think she will adapt and gain more power as the season progresses so in my book she will only move forward and I agree she is leaps and bounds ahead of everyone else at the moment - a true Olympic Champion!

Evgenia was kind of dissapointing but also I expected it - so many changes happened to her over the last few months and she probably needs more time to get a grip in all this, however I think she'll have a hard time retaining her Russia's no 2 status with Tuktik right there to snatch it. That said I do not believe that any other Russian can sneak in there, Masha (UR and growth), Polina (no consistency), Elena (seems done to me, she didn't make any progress in years) , Anna P. (we all know what happened but she may be a wild card), Stasya (just meh for me), Sofia... they all seem lost or just not there yet (like Sofia, whom I liked very much!). If Evgenia goes clean then no problem, PCS will save her and she'll be no 2 but if not then she's in trouble. Also, I don't like Zhenya in a tango and I think she actually has a very limited set of emotions she can show, and any kind of sexappeal or flirtiness is just not her feature.

Sakamoto - she bored me to death with her new programs, such a change from last season and I dare say - for worse.

Mihara - also, bores me immensely, she may be consistent and reliable but I can't even tell any of her programs apart. As soon as she finishes skating I forget about her which is sad because she seems lovely.

Kihira - can't really say much because apart from the fact she landed two 3A's I did not see her programs.

Miyahara - still praying somebody taught Satton to jump higher :hopelessness: and that her PCS be fair for once. She'll only challenge for podiums if the rest falter which is sad.

Hendrickx - my god! I already said it after challenger - that one is a powerhouse and I really like her! I hope she'll make a statement and fight for those podiums.

Kostner - Caro is just a time bomb, you never know how she'll do. I've seen her SP live in Milan and it was pure magic, then again she is prone to bombing. I don't think she'll medal anywhere but I am glad she is sticking around because she is really unique, watching her is a real treat and she does it because she loves it and that's enough for me

Eunsoo Lim - she's my dark horse and guilty pleasure, her demeanor on ice is so intriguing, I think she could sneak in for a podium here and there.

Wakaba - also kind of dissapointing but I won't say anything until her first GP.

Tennell - I love her short program, it's so different and really well choreographed to play to Bradie's strengths in my opinion. I think she is slowly unravelling, she clearly worked on presentation and I think it shows. I'm calling it now - she will make it to the GP Final.

My current presumption for a top 6 power list:
1. Zagitova
2. Tennell
3. Kihira
4. Medvedeva / Tuktamysheva
5. Miyahara
6. Lim / Hendrickx

 

[[email protected]]

Quick update after the first GP.

#1 Alina Zagitova No news

#2 Evgenija Medvedeva No news. She keeps giving positive interviews so that I hope she will win SC next week with 2 clean programs.

#3 Rika Kihira No news. She has to show good results at her first GP outing to remain at this position: there are some strong contenders waiting.

#4 Satoko Miyahara +2 Winning SA with a good result Sato has shown that she cannot be dismissed. Moreover, no URs were detected. And what's important she has 2 wonderful programs so that pcs may keep rising.

#5 Elizaveta Tuktamysheva -1 Liza has to start scoring above 210 to remain here.

#6 Kaori Sakamoto New Looks like early season troubles are over and Kaori is back in business

#7 Bradie Tennell -2 Two shaky performances in Japan and USA. Bradie has to return her consistency that was with her during most of the last season. She has good programs - just need to deliver on potential.

#8 Mai Mihara -1 No news

#9 Elizabet Tursynbaeva +1 No news

#10 Sofia Samodurova New Sofia gets closer to 200 and to being the only alternative to Liza as Russia's #3. Her big plus is consistency so far.


Looks like there will be no season for Radionova and Tsurskaya. It is sad but Panenkova's prospects look dim as well. I am skeptical about Sotskova and Konstantinova. Looks like there are just 4 serious contenders for Russian team spots. Not that bad. Next season will be quite different.


Wakaba's and Loena's prospects are unclear because of their injuries and Wakaba's weak start. Hence, I removed them from top-10. But the season has just started.

 

[Elucidus]

#10 Sofia Samodurova New Sofia gets closer to 200 and to being the only alternative to Liza as Russia's #3. Her big plus is consistency so far.

Looks like there will be no season for Radionova and Tsurskaya. It is sad but Panenkova's prospects look dim as well. I am skeptical about Sotskova and Konstantinova. Looks like there are just 4 serious contenders for Russian team spots. Not that bad. Next season will be quite different.

I am strongly disagree with it. You seem to forget about Gulyakova, Tarusina and even Sakhanovich/Gubanova. Samodurova's main fault is low GOEs on jumps (absolutely deservedly) and low PCS which she will not be able to fix this season. On other hand - while Gulyakova and others are not able to participate in GP events - they are in good form now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_lBp4ZZ3rM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFiHQAOqzws

and have good potential for better than Samodurova score at RusNat. Also as far as I know - even those who are considered as juniors officially and even participated in JGP events - can compete in senior Europe Championship and World Championship later this season - if they are qualified for the spot by being high enough in RusNat AND have age higher than 15. Which was proved by Konstantinova example last season.
So I wouldn't recommend to dismiss from contention other russian ladies if you are talking about russian team spots - unless only power ranking for GPF is what you are interested in mostly. Therefore following Russian Cup local events now would be a good idea - to keep an eye for potential contenders for a number 3 russian lady.

 

[IndiaP12]

Samodurova's main fault is low GOEs on jumps (absolutely deservedly) and low PCS which she will not be able to fix this season.

Why does she get low PCS I don’t quite understand, is it lack of transitions? I really hope she fixes it cause I want her to get high scores and do well this season. And Satoko has pretty much the same jumps as her and gets much higher TES scores.

 

[Eclair]

1. Rika Kihara
Jumping wise she is the best current singles lady. With 2 3axels she is hard to beat. She is not very consistent but neither is Zagitova. And she is more polished artistically than Alina.

2 or 3. Alina Zagitova
Her jumps have great technique and she has a true lutz. But no artistic development nor good choreography. If she weren't skating for a big fed, her PCS would be a lot lower (deservedly).

2 or 3. Satoko Miyahara
Her jumps are small and pre-rotated, but her PCS should be highest of all current ladies. And I appreciate her improvement in jumps, even though it is not enough.

4. Kaori Sakamoto
Her jumps are big and she is fast. She is not going to get 10's in PCS but + 3-5 GOE on every element is possible.

5 +6. Eunsoo Lim and Mai Mihara
The same goes for Eunsoo. Unfortunately her programs this year are not fitting her very well.

6. or lower
Bradie, Marin, Sotskova, Tuktamysheva, Evgenia (too many issues right now, also lack of SS)

with the injury, Wakaba is unfortunately a dark horse...

 

[[email protected]]

Who is #1 Kihara?

 

[Fluture]

Who is #1 Kihara?

Maybe a mixture of Rika and Mai?

(Even though it‘s obviously a typo )

 

[[email protected]]

I am strongly disagree with it. You seem to forget about Gulyakova, Tarusina and even Sakhanovich/Gubanova. Samodurova's main fault is low GOEs on jumps (absolutely deservedly) and low PCS which she will not be able to fix this season. On other hand - while Gulyakova and others are not able to participate in GP events - they are in good form now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_lBp4ZZ3rM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFiHQAOqzws

and have good potential for better than Samodurova score at RusNat. Also as far as I know - even those who are considered as juniors officially and even participated in JGP events - can compete in senior Europe Championship and World Championship later this season - if they are qualified for the spot by being high enough in RusNat AND have age higher than 15. Which was proved by Konstantinova example last season.
So I wouldn't recommend to dismiss from contention other russian ladies if you are talking about russian team spots - unless only power ranking for GPF is what you are interested in mostly. Therefore following Russian Cup local events now would be a good idea - to keep an eye for potential contenders for a number 3 russian lady.

Team spots is about winning in main international events. Gulyakova had 1 JGP event. What else? Her success in Russia Cup is of little value to international judges in the sport where reputation matters. I am a big Sima's fan. I still believe that her Sweet and tender beast was the best junior SP ever. But now.... Anyway, it's just a personal ranking list.

 

[Spirals for Miles]

For me, Alina is still #1. She scored 20pts higher than Rika, yes Rika missed the jump in the short but still had 2 3As in the free.

1. Alina
2. Evgenia
3. Rika
4. Liza
5. Satoko
6. Kaori
7. Bradie
8. Lil Bet
9. Mai
10. Sofia

 

[theharleyquinn]

Why does she get low PCS I don’t quite understand, is it lack of transitions? I really hope she fixes it cause I want her to get high scores and do well this season. And Satoko has pretty much the same jumps as her and gets much higher TES scores.

It will be hard for her to get much higher PCS with that free program plus it being her first senior season.

 

[Eclair]

Who is #1 Kihara?

Who knows but I guess she belongs to the same team as #5 Tennel and #10 Tursunbaeva

 

[voolfee]

My top-10 of the season so far:

1. Alina Zagitova, huge #1
2. Rika Kihira
3. Satoko Miyahara
4. Kaori Sakamoto
5. Elizaveta Tuktamysheva
6. Mai Mihara
7. Evgenia Medvedeva
8. Bradie Tennell
9. Loena Hendrickx
10. Elizabet Tursynbaeva

 

[[email protected]]

My top-10 of the season so far:

1. Alina Zagitova, huge #1
2. Rika Kihira
3. Satoko Miyahara
4. Kaori Sakamoto
5. Elizaveta Tuktamysheva
6. Mai Mihara
7. Evgenia Medvedeva
8. Bradie Tennell
9. Loena Hendrickx
10. Elizabet Tursynbaeva

Medvedeva as #7? Well, let's wait for SC results.

 

[sweetice]

I am strongly disagree with it. You seem to forget about Gulyakova, Tarusina and even Sakhanovich/Gubanova.

Sakhanovich may have won a competition, but the others she has attended ? Not good...
Gubanova is even more out of contest, with this season's programs. Seriously, i've never see her this bad.

Russia need someone reliable. Still, Tarusina's SB it's not enough for a JGP final, it may be enough for the senior Worlds ?

Gulyakova, even if she has won two stage on the CoR, can score way less on an international competition. She may be a contender, because pushed at nationals, but then she risk to became the (better) Konstantinova of this season.

Right now, with a Liza like that, it's difficult to find someone able to be a true alternative, this year. Everything is in her hands, because pick the Olympic Champion and two Worlds Champions is the way easier choice for Russia.

Then, next year, the true bloodbath will begin :dev2:

 

[moriel]

My top-10 so far:
1. Alina Zagitova. Olympic Champion, two great performances.
2. Zhenya Medvedeva. Olympic Silver medal and all the other achievments. She has the potential to challenge Alina for #1, lets see how it goes.
3. Rika Kihira. That 3A. But historically, she used to be quite inconsistent, and Id like to see more than one good performance to put her on #2.
4. Satoko Miyahara. She has the artistry and the consistency. Unfortunately her jumps wont let her get more than a +3, so she is kind of around her score max.
5. Tuktamysheva. That 3A. Here more for the potential than for the achievments.
6. Kaori Sakamoto. Lets see how it goes for her, great jumps and all, if she managed to skate clean, she will climb up the ranks by a lot.
7. Mai Mihara. Waiting to see her compete again.
8. Bradie Tennell. Big fed backing her, but she kind of failed to use the momentum at SA. Also URs.
9. Elizabet Tursynbaeva. She seems happy with her new team, and hungry for some medals. Eteri style also suits her quite well.
10. Sofia Samodurova. She has a GP bronze and non null chances of making GPF considering her second GP.

 

[IndiaP12]

It will be hard for her to get much higher PCS with that free program plus it being her first senior season.

Oh, yeah. But I think she should get allll the PCS with that program (mainly performance wise) I found it much more entertaining than the others [emoji23], (I know that’s not what they judge on, but still, she was so connected to the music and selling the program, it’s just so high energy esp the second part and she performs so well) but I imagine they would have seen the contrast after Satoko & Kaori’s classical programs and probs marked her not as high

 

[Baron Vladimir]

1. Rika Kihara
Jumping wise she is the best current singles lady. With 2 3axels she is hard to beat. She is not very consistent but neither is Zagitova. And she is more polished artistically than Alina.

2 or 3. Alina Zagitova
Her jumps have great technique and she has a true lutz. But no artistic development nor good choreography. If she weren't skating for a big fed, her PCS would be a lot lower (deservedly).

2 or 3. Satoko Miyahara
Her jumps are small and pre-rotated, but her PCS should be highest of all current ladies. And I appreciate her improvement in jumps, even though it is not enough.

4. Kaori Sakamoto
Her jumps are big and she is fast. She is not going to get 10's in PCS but + 3-5 GOE on every element is possible.

5 +6. Eunsoo Lim and Mai Mihara
The same goes for Eunsoo. Unfortunately her programs this year are not fitting her very well.

6. or lower
Bradie, Marin, Sotskova, Tuktamysheva, Evgenia (too many issues right now, also lack of SS)

with the injury, Wakaba is unfortunately a dark horse...

To be fair Kihara is not artisticaly better developped than Zagitova yet. And while Satoko has superb SS, lines, positions and atention to details she didnt interpret the required music better (comparing to Kaori for example, Satoko was just more pleasant to watch from a TV screen). She lacked (at SA) intensity and extrovertness for a tango programme... So no, her PCS shouldn be that high like you think - for now! I think she was judged in components exactly like it supposed to.
EDIT: Even Bradie didnt have best performance at SA, my opinion is still the same - Alina, 'Kihara' and Bradie are favourites for world medals. If Satoko stays 'clean' she could challenge that podium. Zhenya's next outgoing could change my opinion too

 

[moriel]

Satoko's main issue are her jumps currently. Yep, they may not call them UR
but the GOE cap is obvious - there is no way she should get +4 or +5 on any of her jumps under the current system.
Meanwhile, skaters like Alina or Kaori can get +4/+5.