2020-21 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[starlight97]

I don't think you can compare Rita and Yana to Alina and Zhenya. Yana made a mistake, Rita didn't, and the gold went to Rita. Zhenya gave her all and skated the best she could but was still beaten by Alina. That is a huge difference psychologically speaking.

Yana was for years, and at the Olympics, the undisputed objective best gymnast to walk the carpet. When everyone went clean she always came out on top. Including Rio, where she scored higher than Rita, on every apparatus except for the one where she made the mistake.
So in this case it was the stronger gymnast coming second because of making an uncharacteristic error.
In the skating case here, Alina simply became better than Evgenia. She dominated technically to a point subjective PCS couldn't fix it.

 

[chasingneverland]

Eteri was shocked but in a good way

Well, it was totally unexpected but refreshing and Maia did a good job. Alena did the same mistake during the nationals two years ago.

Anna and Daria have also fallen on their steps and hit everything else too.

 

[chasingneverland]

Why Rozanov though?
I agree Veronika needs a change but I'm not sure him in particular would be the solution to her problems.
I don't know if it's nerves but whatever the problem is it's definitely in her head.

It actually feels a bit like Sasha's issues.

They clearly CAN do it but sometimes fall apart in competition. When they get it all together though..look out world!

 

[Skatesocs]

It's just ridiculous that we're actually debating Rozanov's merits in any thread at all. Come on.

 

[flanker]

It's just ridiculous that we're actually debating Rozanov's merits in any thread at all. Come on.

And how about merits of Sergei the Elder?

 

[esteticlove]

Weirdly, I haven't seen this discussed here, but in my opinion this was Sasha's best SP so far. Finally her jumps came together with her choreography and her program felt more emotional. I knew she had this potential and was happy to see her showing it.

 

[flanker]

Maiia, our queen of random falls
What was that, gurl?
She‘s gonna make Eteri go bald one day

Actually Maiia then delivered possibly the best jumps I've seen from her so far. Let this be her only fall in this event and let she deliver her quad finally.

 

[Dawn825]

Weirdly, I haven't seen this discussed here, but in my opinion this was Sasha's best SP so far. Finally her jumps came together with her choreography and her program felt more emotional. I knew she had this potential and was happy to see her showing it.

I saw a lot of people saying that. She looked the same to me

 

[esteticlove]

I saw a lot of people saying that. She looked the same to me

If you want to see the clear difference, watch all of her SPs from this season in a chronological order. In real competitions she used to be way too muscled and concentrated on the jumps that the choreo was suffering - she was still performing the moves, but her head was somewhere else. Today it seemed, at least to me, that she put more thought in her choreography and that she finally released the inner resistance to be artistic.

 

[Vemvane]

Weirdly, I haven't seen this discussed here, but in my opinion this was Sasha's best SP so far. Finally her jumps came together with her choreography and her program felt more emotional. I knew she had this potential and was happy to see her showing it.

Yes, I thought it was very much following the trend from Nationals. Her entire upper body was softer and her movements more flowing than before, and there was a delicacy to her skating throughout. I feel like this SP showed more flexibility in her torso than Nats, though I could be wrong. She also seemed to make the Biellmann at the end with less of a struggle than usual.

 

[lappo]

The more I watch Kamila's SP the more I think this should be her program for the Olympic season; I hope they reconsider their choice or they have a very good alternative for her in store.

 

[TripleAxelQueens3]

Honestly, I don't see the point for changing the choreography, at least not for the current season. The first and most important thing is for Kamila to stabilize the 3A, which is what they are doing so far. I also think that is always more difficult to adjust a program with new choreographical elements, when the original was that good..because it will just keep feeling as if it is lacking something.

To be honest, I do see a reason why they should change the program's choreography and leave it for Olympic season. I think packaging a program and a skater is very important, especially for Olympic season. This short program shows off her strengths very well, it's a program that I think casual viewers will be charmed by and interested in. They changed a bit and I do find it inferior to the original but with how rhythmic this music is I doubt it would be hard to just delay a certain transition half a second to match up with the notes. Kamila's main weakness is rushing a bit through her movements and also a bit of a weaker connection with the music at times, but this short program, crafted with so much attention to every musical crescendo, decrescendo, and change of tempo, hides the second weakness. It also hides her first weakness because it isn't packed with five thousand million transitions and actually gives her room to hold out landings and extensions, thus preventing it from looking like she is rushing. It brings out how amazing her extensions are because she gets to hold them. It emphasizes the flow off her solo jumps as well.

It is important to get that 3A for sure, but if next year Anna, Sasha, Daria, Liza and Alyona all get 3As as well, what Kamila will need is something extra. A program that suits her so well and hides her weaknesses while showing off her strengths is exactly that something extra to boost her score.

But then again, maybe Danny G (or even Eteri) will actually be able to create another masterpiece SP that does all the same while making sure the 3A stays consistent. But if they have to keep one program from this season, Storm gets my vote.

 

[esteticlove]

To be honest, I do see a reason why they should change the program's choreography and leave it for Olympic season. I think packaging a program and a skater is very important, especially for Olympic season. This short program shows off her strengths very well, it's a program that I think casual viewers will be charmed by and interested in. They changed a bit and I do find it inferior to the original but with how rhythmic this music is I doubt it would be hard to just delay a certain transition half a second to match up with the notes. Kamila's main weakness is rushing a bit through her movements and also a bit of a weaker connection with the music at times, but this short program, crafted with so much attention to every musical crescendo, decrescendo, and change of tempo, hides the second weakness. It also hides her first weakness because it isn't packed with five thousand million transitions and actually gives her room to hold out landings and extensions, thus preventing it from looking like she is rushing. It brings out how amazing her extensions are because she gets to hold them. It emphasizes the flow off her solo jumps as well.

It is important to get that 3A for sure, but if next year Anna, Sasha, Daria, Liza and Alyona all get 3As as well, what Kamila will need is something extra. A program that suits her so well and hides her weaknesses while showing off her strengths is exactly that something extra to boost her score.

But then again, maybe Danny G (or even Eteri) will actually be able to create another masterpiece SP that does all the same while making sure the 3A stays consistent. But if they have to keep one program from this season, Storm gets my vote.

The thing with Kamila is that she doesn't need an ultra extra program to be perceived as something special neither from a judge nor from a casual viewer. Even when she is doing some basic skating, the spectators can easily recognize her flexibility, flow and maturity despite her young age. As long as they don't give her a program with only cross-overs or a program that is totally out of her character, I don't think that she is that threatened by Dasha, Liza, Alyona or Sasha. The latter of course will change the game once she introduces her 3A, but still there are 3 places for the Olympics. You mention that Kami needs a choreo that hides her weaknesses, but this is the thing with the current program - after they re-arranged the elements, most of them don't match the notes anymore. I think that with a perfect timing this could be achieved, but as you also have observed, Kamila tends to rush sometimes when she is too nervous.

I thought that her junior SP would be the best ever, but got positively surprised this season. So, I remain optimistic for the next winter, they can still top the current program. And even if the choreo is not a bomb, I believe that Kamila can make it work.

 

[bubblecherry]

I loved the ladies!

Liza’s SP is better than the previous one, and I actually liked it! I haven’t enjoyed a program from her or her skating in a while, but I did today. Good switch. Risky, but successful, I think. Makes me more hopeful for Alyona’s late program change, too.

Sasha keeps improving with this SP. It’s an amazing vehicle from her. The arms, choreo, listening to the music, performance, have all improved. Loved the 2A out of nowhere, too. The flip edge is regressing, somehow, but that’s not a huge issue to me (just points— could be an issue).

Kamila’s 3A was fabulous and an overall strong program for her to show off all her strengths. I wish she’d listen, respond, and perform to the music more, that’s all it’s lacking.

Anna, my fave I just love this SP for her. I love the -3Lo combo. I love her performance. Every. Single. Time. This girl is magic!

Maiia! Good SP for her, still. Not my favorite skater but I like how she skates this SP. Definitely a good vehicle for her. She landed all the jumps and looked happy despite the fluke fall.

Daria, my other favorite Her skating is just sublime. This SP and her performance of it has improved throughout the season. I just love her arms, I love the attention to detail in every movement, she fully commits to the choreo, she listens to the music— it’s just beautiful. The difficult transitions are executed perfectly and she was right on top of the music the entire time. I just want her to get an Ultra C element, because her skating and performance quality is too good for her to not be at the top

And also, Zhenya, who skated a beautiful exhibition yesterday. Her form is improving and her performance and connection to the audience always remains the same—a world class artist and champion So many beautiful and interesting moments in her EX. I didn’t love the music when I first saw this program, but Zhenya has really sold it to me now. I love Echoes for her and I’m thrilled to see her skating and jumps improve in the past month, and I really can’t wait to see what she can do going forward, too

 

[JazzUp]

the STORM from today:

 

[Vilord]

Honestly, I don't see the point for changing the choreography, at least not for the current season. The first and most important thing is for Kamila to stabilize the 3A, which is what they are doing so far. I also think that is always more difficult to adjust a program with new choreographical elements, when the original was that good..because it will just keep feeling as if it is lacking something.

I think the comment was more about next season. Many people (myself included) have voiced the opinion that Kamilla should keep her short for next season. But then someone pointed out that it doesnt work as good now with the 3A since it requires more time than the 2A did. But since they succesfully aded a 3A to alionas Angel program they should be able to work the 3A into Kamillas as well by maybe changing some of the coreo.
I agree that it doesnt matter to much at this point in the season but if they decide to keep it for the next season the late spring and summer should be more than enough to adapt the choreo to better integrate the 3A.

 

[RatedPG]

I just finished watching Ksenia Sinitsyna’s Free Skate at the Prize Tournament she competed in this week. In the short program, she doubled a jump. But, otherwise, skated really well to finish 2nd there. Her score of around 61 was tough. I thought she should have been around 65 at least.

In the warm up, prior to her free skate, Ksenia attempted two 4Ts that she fell due to 4T<. However, in her third attempt during practice, she landed a 4Tq. That stunned me! I didn’t think my favourite Russian lady was capable of a quad jump. In the free skate, she doubled the quad and I thought that she was heading for a rough skate due to it being her first competition. She proved me wrong. I thought she was spectacular. She skated the rest of the elements cleanly and what shocked me the most was the difficulty of her jump layout. In the second half, she landed a 3Lz-3Lo, a triple eu triple combo and then 3F-3T combo. Three jump combinations worth over ten points each garnering the ten percent bonus. Her technical score was 77+. Her PCS score was only 63 . But, that was really good. I was impressed .

I’m pretty sure Anna and Alexandra have their spots at Worlds booked. The third spot is thought to be a battle between Aliona and Elizaveta. However, is there any way we can bump up Ksenia there? She had the 2nd best Junior score in the world last year after Kamila. Higher than Daria and Maia. She also has the best back to back SP and FP programs of all the ladies, in my opinion. I was thinking about this, and this could be her final chance to go to Worlds. I would hate for her not to have an opportunity due to injury. Also, now that she is back, I need to see her perform at least one more time before the season ends.

 

[pete]

I just finished watching Ksenia Sinitsyna’s Free Skate at the Prize Tournament she competed in this week. In the short program, she doubled a jump. But, otherwise, skated really well to finish 2nd there. Her score of around 61 was tough. I thought she should have been around 65 at least.

In the warm up, prior to her free skate, Ksenia attempted two 4Ts that she fell due to 4T<. However, in her third attempt during practice, she landed a 4Tq. That stunned me! I didn’t think my favourite Russian lady was capable of a quad jump. In the free skate, she doubled the quad and I thought that she was heading for a rough skate due to it being her first competition. She proved me wrong. I thought she was spectacular. She skated the rest of the elements cleanly and what shocked me the most was the difficulty of her jump layout. In the second half, she landed a 3Lz-3Lo, a triple eu triple combo and then 3F-3T combo. Three jump combinations worth over ten points each garnering the ten percent bonus. Her technical score was 77+. Her PCS score was only 63 . But, that was really good. I was impressed .

I’m pretty sure Anna and Alexandra have their spots at Worlds booked. The third spot is thought to be a battle between Aliona and Elizaveta. However, is there any way we can bump up Ksenia there? She had the 2nd best Junior score in the world last year after Kamila. Higher than Daria and Maia. She also has the best back to back SP and FP programs of all the ladies, in my opinion. I was thinking about this, and this could be her final chance to go to Worlds. I would hate for her not to have an opportunity due to injury. Also, now that she is back, I need to see her perform at least one more time before the season ends.

I really hope she gets invited to the cup final!

 

[Scott512]

Why Rozanov though?
I agree Veronika needs a change but I'm not sure him in particular would be the solution to her problems.
I don't know if it's nerves but whatever the problem is it's definitely in her head.

Yes part of it is mental.

Sergek may not be the solution but we know her mother isn't.

 

[Scott512]

I just finished watching Ksenia Sinitsyna’s Free Skate at the Prize Tournament she competed in this week. In the short program, she doubled a jump. But, otherwise, skated really well to finish 2nd there. Her score of around 61 was tough. I thought she should have been around 65 at least.

In the warm up, prior to her free skate, Ksenia attempted two 4Ts that she fell due to 4T<. However, in her third attempt during practice, she landed a 4Tq. That stunned me! I didn’t think my favourite Russian lady was capable of a quad jump. In the free skate, she doubled the quad and I thought that she was heading for a rough skate due to it being her first competition. She proved me wrong. I thought she was spectacular. She skated the rest of the elements cleanly and what shocked me the most was the difficulty of her jump layout. In the second half, she landed a 3Lz-3Lo, a triple eu triple combo and then 3F-3T combo. Three jump combinations worth over ten points each garnering the ten percent bonus. Her technical score was 77+. Her PCS score was only 63 . But, that was really good. I was impressed .

I’m pretty sure Anna and Alexandra have their spots at Worlds booked. The third spot is thought to be a battle between Aliona and Elizaveta. However, is there any way we can bump up Ksenia there? She had the 2nd best Junior score in the world last year after Kamila. Higher than Daria and Maia. She also has the best back to back SP and FP programs of all the ladies, in my opinion. I was thinking about this, and this could be her final chance to go to Worlds. I would hate for her not to have an opportunity due to injury. Also, now that she is back, I need to see her perform at least one more time before the season ends.

No ksenia for worlds. She is splendid without a doubt but no body of work this season
Lyza is the favorite to get the 3rd spot but if AK comes of big in the cup final it's a different story.