I'm glad that Kaetlyn Osmond was choose for Skate Canada. She deserved it
And, I'm sure that she will shine at this event just like Gracie
Alissa asked for just one GP event because she's having surgery on her torn hip ligament this month.
I'm more hopeful for the TBA's still out there for Mirai: Canada, China, & France. I'm fairly sure that Russia will fill its TBA with its own skaters, but the other 3 programs are fairly weak. It's possible that Canada may pick Phaneuf again, but if they didn't already, I don't know why they would later.
How long before the event is it considered too late to fill the spot at NHK?
I know that in the past, it often happend that when skaters withdrew, the spot was left empty?
I'm pretty sure China will give its host pick to Zijun Li (she only has one event, at NHK.) And if not Zijun, Bingwa Geng. Mae Bernice Meite is a good contender for the French TBA spot (she is at SA only right now).
I think Mirai is likely to end up on Canada or Japan, esp. if Alissa cannot make her comeback.
How long before the event is it considered too late to fill the spot at NHK?
I know that in the past, it often happend that when skaters withdrew, the spot was left empty?
It is mandatory that an Organizing Member replaces any skater/couple who withdraws from the event with an alternate up to fourteen (14) days prior to the draw for that event. At the seven day mark, consideration will be given by the ISU Grand Prix Coordination Group to leaving a position vacant because of visa requirements or unduly high travel costs that would be incurred by the Organizing Member.
Kwan was able to get back some of her jumps within a year after surgery, but decided to go to college instead of returning to competition.
It's worth remembering that these days, skaters do not need "a full set of triples." Certainly our current world champion does not have one, nor did YuNa Kim at the end, nor does Mao.
So if Alissa can't do a loop, for example, that will be fine.
Nagasu's already on the list for China, so she can't get a TBA there...I'm more hopeful for the TBA's still out there for Mirai: Canada, China, & France. I'm fairly sure that Russia will fill its TBA with its own skaters, but the other 3 programs are fairly weak. It's possible that Canada may pick Phaneuf again, but if they didn't already, I don't know why they would later.
Douglas Razzano was slightly higher on the ISU Season Best scores list -- #38 (192.95 at Skate America) to Mahbanoozadeh's #41 (185.58 at NHK Trophy) and he also placed 7th to Armin's 10th at Skate America -- this could be why Razzano was selected for Skate America as a host pick, but I'm just guessing here.
That's great to hear! Armin Mahbanoozadeh recently uploaded a video of him landing a quad toe in practice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjY4zaWW244
He can still prove himself and do well this season if he keeps focused and working hard -- I'm rooting for him!