Maybe judges are hesitant to hand out PCS to her because she is so young? Well, she'll only improve from now on I hope. Judges reward consistency.
Protocols out... Proklova got < on the flip in addition to the < on the lutz she fell on. Guess that's why her score seemed low.
Jumps aside, I am surprised to see Wakaba got higher PCS than Sasha; she is much more polished than Wakaba. Wakaba has nice speed and raw energy, and she does NOT remind me of Akiko The only thing in common I can notice is neither of them can do good spin positions.
Proklova skates much better than the rest of the pack. She was overcautious because as I guess she has not fully recovered from the injury. And she fell. Otherwise she would win with ease. Hope she finds her form and win the event with the clean FS.
1) good speed or acceleration during spin
2) ability to center a spin quickly
3) balanced rotations in all positions
4) clearly more than required number of revolutions
5) good position(s) (including height and air position in flying spins)
6) creativity and originality
7) good control throughout all phases
8) element matched to the musical structure
Proklova had already 190+ score last season. Wakaba is way too far from that yet. She needs to add some personal touch to her skating. So far she just moves fast and jumps well - at least that what I saw on the monitor.
Proklova PB is 181,18...
It was 195 during the last year Russian nationals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h61snzgk2E&feature=youtu.be
Skating like that she would be untouchable here. Leider, so far she is not her own self.
Russian Nationals isn't an ISU judged event and all Nationals are always inflated. Especially in an Olympic year. Anyways they don't count toward PB.
The only thing I have to be critical of Wakaba is her spins. They look so labored and awkward to me. I don't see how she gets +2's on them. It doesn't seem like they are anything more than average spins worthy of such GOE.
Here is the criteria for awarding spin GOE. It is suggested that 4 bullets are achieved to recieve +2
She is a good skater though and while I don't find her exciting to watch she is a solid jumper with a smoth flow throughout.
I really hope Sasha skates beautifully in the long and earns that gold medal