2016 World Championships Ladies Free Skate

[yyyskate]

Um no, Yuna doesn't have the most difficult step sequences, since she often only gets level 3. Her Sochi stsq in both programs had lvl 3, Carolina got more GOE's than her in both programs and Mao got higher level and more GOE than hers in the LP. Also how can one have intricate yet not difficult steps? Upper body movements affect edges? That doesn't make any sense.... clearly you don't know what you're talking about.

Sochi stsq has been analyzed globally by many people, the consensus is that Yuna's stsq is both difficult and had quality and disagree with level 3 judges given to her. Sot is the only one who received lv4 in both SP and LP in sochi, do you think her stsq is better than Mao then?
I am not an expert of course, I pointed out some aspect of stsq that people could consider.

 

[Tolstoj]

I am quite curious about this comment because Ashley skated after Anna. How would Anna know she was better than Ashley in the KnC if Ashley has not skated.

Her reaction in the KnC still makes me believe that she was pissed because that score couldn't be enough to match a clean Gracie and a clean Ashley and stay in the podium.

About " Anna maybe could have thought she was better than Ashley" I was referring to the medal ceremony but that hug in the Ladies Press Conference refutes that hypothesis.

 

[Ravyn Rant]

Count me among those who are happy for Ashley this morning. It's wonderful to see so much hard work pay off. It never ceases to amaze me that she can take music that I dislike (in the case of Moulin Rouge, actively loathe) and have me on the edge of my seat with her performances. I hope this leads to even more confidence next season as she realizes that she is worthy of the podium. I'm very grateful that I'll never have to hear that banshee wailing over the final spin again. I hope. New LP next year, Ash? Please?

It was really nice to see Anna P. have such a good Worlds. She's had some rough times this season, but by the end of it, she also proved that she is podium-worthy. Medvedeva was deservedly first, but she didn't move me. Honestly, if you want to 'tano every jump that's fine, but don't just flop your arm on top of your head. It looks sloppy.

Gracie...sigh. I hope this makes her want to come back fighting, but we may have to get used to the idea that some people can't function properly in a competitive setting. Next season I'd like for her to find music that she loves as much as Ashley loves hers. I think a new choreographer might be in order as well. But after seeing her interview, I just want to give her a hug and a cookie.

As for the commentary, as I watched the NBC coverage I considered sending Tara Lipinski a ball gag. That girl never shuts up. I had been waiting to see Mao's LP again and Tara just ruined the experience with her incessant chattering. If I do actually send her the ball gag, can I put a little golden skate charm on it and sign the card "from all of us at Golden Skate"?

 

[Tolstoj]

Sochi stsq has been analyzed globally by many people, the consensus is that Yuna's stsq is both difficult and had quality and disagree with level 3 judges given to her. Sot is the only one who received lv4 in both SP and LP in sochi, do you think her stsq is better than Mao then?
I am not an expert of course, I pointed out some aspect of stsq that people could consider.

In the SP actually is possible, but in the LP no way.

 

[da96103]

Just putting this out there, feel free slice it up and maybe it is too soon to even suggest.
----
How do you all think Gracie would develop under Kori and Rohene?
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I know many might feel she would be better served with Orser. I just don't want David Wilson near her. After his comments about Yuna in TSL's interview I just cringed.

I am sorry but what is this about Yuna?

 

[miki88]

Sochi stsq has been analyzed globally by many people, the consensus is that Yuna's stsq is both difficult and had quality and disagree with level 3 judges given to her. Sot is the only one who received lv4 in both SP and LP in sochi, do you think her stsq is better than Mao then?
I am not an expert of course, I pointed out some aspect of stsq that people could consider.

By whom? Youtube posters? While Adelina may have gotten a boost in Sochi, Mao and Carolina consistently got higher points on step sequences than Yuna. The aspects you point out are so vague and do not correspond to ISU definition of step sequences.

 

[nolangoh]

Well yes. Yuna is fast because her free skates have almost over 40 crossovers. Skating skills isn't just about speed. You can jist look at the step sequences, the EASE and FLOW across the ice. It is UNMATCHED. Even the jumps. Some UR but the most effortless and light of any woman who competed.

I know right? She did like 5 or 6 back crossovers before going into her flip+toe and Lutz in Vancouver, better at London and Sochi though. And Mao owns the steps sequence, like every of them is the best. They are musically relevant and technically difficult. Just fantastic.

 

[minze]

So let's put to rest
Mao is over scored "not"
The Japanese Federation is so powerful "not" Satoko and Mao got lowers PCS than an imperfect Gracie Lol

The rightful winner is Medieneva no doubt Congratulations on the perfect season

Judges with scores so high what are you going to do next season perfect PCS to Ahsley Gracie and the new world champion?

 

[slider11]

ITA. I watched IceNetwork for all events and Ice Desk Recaps. I appreciated the Ice Desk Team thoughtful, insightful and unbiased commentary, that allowed you to enjoy the performances. They mostly saved the technical and other key points for the replays, without chatting about nonsense during the performance. While I appreciated NBC covering the ladies LIVE, I wanted a mute button for Tara and Johnny.

I agree with your accolades to IceNetwork for their overall coverage. The video quality, for the most part was very good. There were a few glitches when the feed was lost but for the most part it was solid. Watching American NBC last night reminded me how annoying commercial television is with the choppy way in which performers are presented. For some of the ladies we didn't get to see them in the K & C because of all the commercials in-between. I can take or leave Johnny and Tara. Frankly I tuned them out most of the time last night.

 

[yyyskate]

On this board is was famously discussed, you could refer to that post.
stsq rules changes every year. it has standards both in numbers to achieve level and quality, I am not judges nor expert, based on my observation of top level ice dancers, I listed those aspects of Mao's stsq is not that stellar IMO. just point out some aspects, people can consider.

 

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

Ashley and Mao skate two very different programs, though. Mao's program with Ashley's style of interpretation would make no sense. I think they both successfully convey the intent of the music and choreography.

That's a pretty fair statement; both are masterpieces in their own rights. I think Ashley does a bit better job of conveying a range of emotion. Mao can really project but sometimes I find when Mao sets up for jumps it's very much a "I'm setting up to jump" moment that breaks the interpretation, whereas Ashley continues to interpret the music even going into her jumps. That being said, their IN marks should both be way ahead of the Russian girls (though Medvedeva's level of interpretation is actually pretty good, in my opinion -- unlike Elena/Pogo/Yulia, she doesn't seem as rushed, and really picks up nuances in the music with her expression and movements).

 

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

Sochi stsq has been analyzed globally by many people, the consensus is that Yuna's stsq is both difficult and had quality and disagree with level 3 judges given to her. Sot is the only one who received lv4 in both SP and LP in sochi, do you think her stsq is better than Mao then?
I am not an expert of course, I pointed out some aspect of stsq that people could consider.

I don't understand a) why people are still hung up about Sochi and b) that StSq, while an example of favouritism, amounts to so little between a level 3 and a level 4 (0.6 points), that it's almost mystifying why people have devoted so much energy into analyzing it. Bad level calls are made all the time... and usually it doesn't affect final results because the difference between levels in singles/pairs is less than a point.

 

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

This is true, and this is not the meltdown it could've been. However, I think that was Gracie's point. "Its not as bad as it could've been" isn't exactly a good thing when talking about someone who led after the short. Something needs to change if people are content with "well she didn't fall apart."

Very good point. I don't think embarrassed should be the right set of words -- hugely disappointed, sure. After all, she did score a personal best SP, and personal best total score -- hardly something to be embarrassed about.

But yeah, this was also probably her best opportunity to win/medal... the home judges were ready to give it to her. Such a shame.

I am glad Pogorilaya made the podium though - she should have arguably been 2nd, and Gold was incredibly close to edging her out for bronze, which would have been rather outrageous (especially given Gold was overscored in the SP).

 

[artsciboy]

She is 8th and skated 2 clean programs. I don't need a mirror ball to see its not going to happen for her.

That said, Rika reminds me of Miki Ando so much. And if Miki can become a 2-time World Champion, I wouldn't rule out Rika. I felt the same way about Miki from her first few Worlds. I hope Rika goes down the Miki's route (minus the whole dating Moroz thing...yuck!).

 

[sweetskates1]

CanadianSkaterGuy how could we not still be hung up on Sochi results? I honestly felt that I would never follow figure skating again after that. It was horribly unfair judging. However, the minuscule difference between levels is astounding.

I don't understand a) why people are still hung up about Sochi and b) that StSq, while an example of favouritism, amounts to so little between a level 3 and a level 4 (0.6 points), that it's almost mystifying why people have devoted so much energy into analyzing it. Bad level calls are made all the time... and usually it doesn't affect final results because the difference between levels in singles/pairs is less than a point.

 

[rain]

The scores for all the top performers in pretty much every event were inflated. Two WRs at this Worlds. That should tell you something. But the placements for the most part were pretty spot on. YMMV of course.

I could not agree with you more. I pretty much agreed with all of the final placements, but it was clear from the get-go that the judges were handing out marks like candy at Halloween in all of the disciplines. But at least all of the skaters were on the same playing field as far as that went, so the conclusions reached were fair.

 

[sweetskates1]

Agreed WeakAnkles. I find it disrespectful to great legends such as Yuna and D/W. But whatever, placements are correct and I feel like the medals earned by US were justly earned.

The scores for all the top performers in pretty much every event were inflated. Two WRs at this Worlds. That should tell you something. But the placements for the most part were pretty spot on. YMMV of course.

 

[TheGrandSophy]

Please, please, please could this thread not turn into another Sochi discussion. It spoils things so and I think we all want to enjoy discussing this actual championship. Every time someone thinks, "I'll just write this one more thing" it sparks off another rain of posts.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

Please, please, please could this thread not turn into another Sochi discussion. It spoils things so and I think we all want to enjoy discussing this actual championship. Every time someone thinks, "I'll just write this one more thing" it sparks off another rain of posts.

But......

 

[Lillian]

I'm happy for Ashley. She is a real LADY :luv17:
Beautiful to watch. I don't get the excitement for Medvedeva, she is just not aesthetic. Big upper body and bony legs. It's disturbing :shocked: