2012 Skate America Ladies SP | Page 10 | Golden Skate

2012 Skate America Ladies SP

brightphoton

Medalist
Joined
Jan 23, 2009
I think Rachael was under-scored. By her score, I was expecting a disaster and it wasn't. I like her new look. It's what some of us have been advocating for a long time--dark colors, long sleeves, white boots.

I just took a look at the protocols. Surprisingly, she didn't lose too many points based on PCS, but on the level of her spins. She's doing a level 1 camel and a level 2 layback.
 

skfan

Final Flight
Joined
Jul 29, 2009
I was going to ask about that. good to know...

I didn't like the footwork sequence, but that may be because the audio issue on the youtube vid made it not go with the music.

I'm in the minority (surprised? you shouldn't be lol) but I think this is a great program for Ashley. It's powerful! which is a great look on her.


it's both beautiful and powerful. it's nice that there are programs where beautiful doesn't have to mean pwetty wussy.

i watched it on icenetwork, so i don't know about music synch issues. i am not an ashley wagner uber, so i don't think i'm speaking out of irrational adoration. a lot of people had tweeted about its greatness, so i prepared for possible let down, but i felt it largely lived up to expectations.
 

Art&Sport

Medalist
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
I think Rachael was under-scored. By her score, I was expecting a disaster and it wasn't. I like her new look. It's what some of us have been advocating for a long time--dark colors, long sleeves, white boots.

I didn't particularly like this music for Rachael, but good for her for continuing to compete if that's what she wants to do. The choreography was good and I thought the costume looked good on her, and she's obviously continued to train hard. But she also seems to have gained extra weight, which probably doesn't help with executing all the needed difficulty. I found her to be a more interesting skater as a young teenager, but I never actually understood why she was held in such high esteem for awhile over skaters like Mirai and Ashley.
 

Tonichelle

Idita-Rock-n-Roll
Record Breaker
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
I normally prefer skaters like Ashley who are more power than "quiet"... I don't see what's wrong with a Lady being "in your face" in showing strength... we all aren't built to be a princess ballerina in a jewelry box....

not that Ashley couldn't pull it off, it's just not her. :)
 

Art&Sport

Medalist
Joined
Apr 28, 2011
it's both beautiful and powerful. it's nice that there are programs where beautiful doesn't have to mean pwetty wussy.

i watched it on icenetwork, so i don't know about music synch issues. i am not an ashley wagner uber, so i don't think i'm speaking out of irrational adoration. a lot of people had tweeted about its greatness, so i prepared for possible let down, but i felt it largely lived up to expectations.

ITA. A great choice of music and costume for Ashley. Her fp this season which she debuted at Japan Open is also wonderful. Most of all I love her energy and positive determination. Her coach, John Nicks said that Ashley has a great combination of athleticism and artistry. I like that about her, and I'm glad she's found the coach, music, choreography and costumes to bring out and fully express herself.
 
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janetfan

Match Penalty
Joined
May 15, 2009
Depends on what we like......

If we like a coronation then I would have Ashley first.

If we prefer a competition then I would have it like this:

1. Christina
2. Adelina
3. Ashley

Of course that could easily change after the LP's......
 

museksk8r

Record Breaker
Joined
Oct 31, 2006
Country
United-States
If we prefer a competition then I would have it like this:
1. Christina
2. Adelina
3. Ashley

You would have Adelina ahead of Ashley, seriously? Singling a required element jump is a HUGE mistake in the SP, certainly more major than Wagner's 2-footed 3loop. I LOVE everything about Adelina's style too; she's stunning, but rules are rules.
 
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janetfan

Match Penalty
Joined
May 15, 2009
You would have Adelina ahead of Ashley, seriously? Singling a required element jump is a HUGE mistake in the SP, certainly more major than Wagner's 2-footed 3loop.

OK, but there was a long discussion recently about rule changes,,,,and two footed landings are supposed to get -3 GOE.
Then it was said that they are required to receive a range from -1 to -3.

Ashley had a clear two footed landing and received less than -1.

It just shows how the CoP is at times more about smoke and mirrors than accuracy.
And I thought Adelina's spins and positions beat Ashley quite easily.

Anyway, as far as my opinion goes, I enjoyed Christina's SP the most. And was surprised to see her with a decent 2A which has been a weakness in the past.

When a skater hits 60 points in the SP I am expecting a 3x3, or atleast a 3Lz. Or maybe terrific steps and SS as we saw in Caro's SP last season.

I did not see any of that from Ashley...and saw average spins. Maybe a 55 or so would be a score that reflected her actual performance.
 

Skater Boy

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Okay i can see some of your points. Not sure about Gao though for those who think she should be in first.I still think Ashley has it all. I do think Flatt was underscored or else she has been overscored in the past. Not a bad routine; she may have filled out but I am not sure if that is my imagination. She is not very lithe or light looking on the ice.
 

emma

Record Breaker
Joined
Oct 28, 2004
I liked the SPs of all the tops three - and I'm fine with the order they are in, but "hear" others who might see otherwise. But just wanted to say to Tonichelle, I really like Ashley's program a lot. I think it is great music, with great cuts, and good choreo, that she performs with good energy. I think that having a triple-triple secure would strengthen her case internationally, but just IMO, I really like this program. I thought the 'tano-toe" was a nice touch (not so much making up for lack of a 3x3, but very nice addition in this context), and really loved her falling leaf out of that double axel. I can't wait to see this one again.
 

Nigel

On the Ice
Joined
Feb 21, 2006
OK, but there was a long discussion recently about rule changes,,,,and two footed landings are supposed to get -3 GOE.
Then it was said that they are required to receive a range from -1 to -3.

Ashley had a clear two footed landing and received less than -1.

It just shows how the CoP is at times more about smoke and mirrors than accuracy.
And I thought Adelina's spins and positions beat Ashley quite easily.

Anyway, as far as my opinion goes, I enjoyed Christina's SP the most. And was surprised to see her with a decent 2A which has been a weakness in the past.

When a skater hits 60 points in the SP I am expecting a 3x3, or atleast a 3Lz. Or maybe terrific steps and SS as we saw in Caro's SP last season.

I did not see any of that from Ashley...and saw average spins. Maybe a 55 or so would be a score that reflected her actual performance.


Christina, IMO, was underscored. Unfortunate skate order , #2, in the SP. She was the most solid, technically, yesterday in the ladies SP. And, just delightful to watch.

Ashley's program was okay...saw the old habit of two-footing on insecure landings...show up again. As Ashely has not corrected the flutzing issues, she will have to strengthen the landings on her other jumps, as I don't expect the lutz to show up again in a SP. The program needs time to gel. Not "soup" quite yet. Definitely overscored. (4cc and worlds bump)

Pic of Flatt's ending pose...kind of at a funny angle.....http://i50.tinypic.com/1621mrc.jpg.....but you can see tape on her right leg thru her tights. Loved the total package ...dress, no over the boot tights, she has let her hair grow back out (poo on USFS officials for suggesting that she cut it)...makeup. All very very nice. Unfortunate about the 2F in the SP as she did very nice 3F-2T in 6min warmup.

Other highlights...all of the ladies (with exception of Leonova)...had very nice costumes for a change. Wish Leonova would do something with her hair...not fond of pony tails at her age. Oh welll....
 

rain

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 29, 2003
it's both beautiful and powerful. it's nice that there are programs where beautiful doesn't have to mean pwetty wussy.

i watched it on icenetwork, so i don't know about music synch issues. i am not an ashley wagner uber, so i don't think i'm speaking out of irrational adoration. a lot of people had tweeted about its greatness, so i prepared for possible let down, but i felt it largely lived up to expectations.

Agreed. In terms of presentation she made everyone else look like juniors. This was a Performance along with being a Short Program. I think she's come into her own as a performer and that's exciting to watch. She oozed confidence.
 

drivingmissdaisy

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 17, 2010
Christina, IMO, was underscored. Unfortunate skate order , #2, in the SP. She was the most solid, technically, yesterday in the ladies SP. And, just delightful to watch.

It's takes awhile to build up the reputation needed to get good scores. She skated well and is in striking distance of the top 2, who are both highly regarded internationally and neither really bombed the SP. If Christina can skate like that consistently her marks are sure to rise.
 

Sasha'sSpins

Medalist
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Country
United-States
My thanks to everyone for updates! I had to work killer shifts all week and into the weekend-I missed the SA tv coverage. :( But again I'm grateful for any pbp's! :)
 

Sasha'sSpins

Medalist
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
Country
United-States
I think Rachael was under-scored. By her score, I was expecting a disaster and it wasn't. I like her new look. It's what some of us have been advocating for a long time--dark colors, long sleeves, white boots.

ITA. I have never been a Rachael fan but this past season in particular she has shown more heart imo than some of the ladies above her who can jump up a storm. Her SP dress is GORGEOUS the most flattering I've ever seen on her. Her choreo was the most mature I've ever seen from her, no silly, 'flirty' moves just terrific expresion in spite of the jumps. And she may not be in top shape just yet but she actually still has time if she really wants to get there.
 

lavender

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
I finally saw Ashley's short and now I think I would have put Gao first but I'm glad she had second....not as much pressure.
 

Mrs. P

Uno, Dos, twizzle!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
So here are the notes I took from the Ladies SP:

Ashley - I enjoyed the program. I think that it was good for being her first outing with it. She had power and confidence and really brought a great energy. She also had great eye contact which helped her connect well with the audience. This has the potential to be a great program. She left a bunch of points on the table, so I think, she has the potential to score more here. She had a lot of speed and ice coverage. She did two-foot the Loop, but the -1 reflects the fact that she had completed other bullets to make up for the -3 for the two foot -- she had a lot of height on the jump.

Adelina - Besides the popped flip, I enjoyed the program. She definitely has the whole package. She had some great footwork and really performed it well. Her 3T-3T combo was very nice with great height.

Christina - A solid program. She was definitely the most clean here and I appreciated the more mature presentation. I think her placement is about right, through I would have been fine if she was behind Mae Bernice or ahead of Adelina.

Mae-Bernice -- Now she is someone that looks much much better live. She has HUGE jumps, I joked with my husband that you could have her do her jumps over small children and succed. The lutz hurt her, though I admire her for saving it so she wouldn't lose points further.

Valentina - A solid effort. I think she is improving, but she still has a lot to work on. .

Viktoria -- She seemed really nervous at warmup, hence the mistakes - but I really liked the footwork (and apparently the judges agreed with me as she was the only one to get level 4).

Haruka-- She has a lot to offer -- nice spins, nice edges on footwork -- but jumps were not her friend today.

Sarah -- I remember really enjoying her in the past -- so I'm a bit disappointed that she really didn't stand out here. The program just didn't do much for me.

Alena - Well to say this was not her day is an understatement. High PCS and that kept her from being dead last. Her usual spunky performance really deflated after all the mistakes.

Rachael -- I think the first part was slow, but she actually perked up in the second half and with the footwork (though she could stand to have more speed overall). I think this program could be good if she gets the jumps back and is injury free. I like the choreography here and she does have a much more mature look.

***
Some additional thoughts:

** I felt the scores reflected what was brought to the table for each skater, Alena's PCS notwithstanding. Yes, Christina had the tech, but Ashley's PCS was deserved here. She really delivered a powerful program. She oozed confidence and it showed in every aspect of her performance.
** No falls!
**A good competition overall; I can say it was not boring.
 
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lavender

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Wow..Alena. I'm sorry but the pcs score that they gave that program is one of the reasons I now I have love/dislike feeling for this sport.
 

uncchristine99

Rinkside
Joined
Oct 29, 2012
Everyone's talking about the Kwan comparisons and I guess you have to since Ashley chose to skate to the same music but that's also where the comparison ends. I thought Ashley did a great job--she wasn't too dramatic or overly emotional with it. She just laid down some solid skating and I think the program is perfectly suited to her. My favorite (surprise) move was the falling leaf right after the double axel--that was wonderful! The only thing I didn't like was the placement of her triple loop--choreographically, it just doesn't seem to be in a good spot and seems to me like she's asking to fall.
 
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