Can I ask why you perfer her over Zhang?
Sure!
1. I can't really adequately compare technique at this point since I would need to study the two more, but I do clearly remember that Zhang has some serious technical issues. Her jumps are under rotated and she often pre-rotates. She also has some edge issues on the Lutz/flip. I would have to study Kim's performances to see if she has similar problems but based on what I just saw (Kim's CoC SP and Zhang's SA SP) I didn't come away with this feeling she (Kim) cheated her jumps or had edge problems – at least to the degree Zhang does. Again, I would really have to sit and look at replays to be more confident about this. My opinion here is based on casual observances of two programs.
2. I prefer Kim's body type to Zhang. Long limbs, neck, torso ect. This may simply be a function of age. I'm not sure what the ages of the two girls are...Zhang is what 14 and Kim is 17? A growth-spurt on Zhang's part could change all this.
3. I feel Kim controls her limbs better than Zhang - with exception to her spiral and layback. Zhang wins hands-down on the spiral and layback. Kim just seems more graceful.
4. There is something slightly more authentic/organic about Kim's skating compared to Zhang. I'm not sure how to articulate it....Yes, Zhang has a gift that is well developed for her age but is doesn't seem organic to me. Almost like when you watch warm-ups and practices (at home or comp) you see folks skate in a relaxed setting and see how clumsy and un-artistic they can be.
I should note, I don’t know these two girls and haven’t watched them at their home rinks but I have a “gut” feeling…my “gut feeling” is what I base the following on. When I use the word “organic” I mean to say that when you watch a skater in their natural state – home rink, regular practice ect. How they carry themselves in terms of polish and finishing elements in an organic setting tells me a lot about how much their artistry is natural and how much is leaned/put on for competition. For instance, when they come out of a spin, do they fully extend the free leg and finish it nicely?. When they do a jump do they hold a nice strong free-leg with a deep, controlled edge?. When stroking do they pump there arms and legs or is it graceful and controlled? If they do all these things, is it only when they are at a competition or is it when it’s just them and the ice? In an honest, organic moment, I think this tells you a lot about the skater. My previous training tells me that those that finish elements, skate with grace when it’s just them and the ice, have some kind of innate understanding. I value this more than the skater who just puts partial effort into it when practicing but polishes it up for competition. I sense that when the spotlight is not on Zhang, she doesn't always skate with the same ease she does when performing. I feel Kim does.
I'm not sure I articulated this very well...sorry. I may change my mind about this later - I would really have to sit and compare these two - edging, flow, jump technique ect. But based on what I've seen, Kim is better.
