Wow, the GP qualification dilemma is getting to be even more of a mess now...
Zhenia, Alina, Polina, Masha, and Elena are probably the only ones who ought to be fairly secure in getting 2 spots apiece = 10 spots
Then there are Stasya, Liza, Daria and Anna, who all are likely to qualify for at least 1 spot. Theoretically they can all get 2 if Russia gets the maximum of 18 spots, but it's unlikely that all host countries will invite 3 Russian ladies, plus also that would mean the Rostelecom host spot would be taken up by default by one of these ladies.
Since the next tier of ladies have also shown good year-over-year improvement in 17/18 vs. 16/17, and some of next year's new seniors with potential also have fairly close results with the above -- Sonya, Nastya Gubanova, Nastya Guliakova, and then also Sima if she continues to show improvement -- it makes sense to keep the host pick open to continue to incentivize them = 11 spots taken up total
That leaves 5-6 spots for 4 skaters, with some really tough choices to make. Anna and Liza have the track records and possibly also big enough fan base that they may get 2 GP invitations at the expense of the two rising seniors. Frankly the one I am concerned about is Dasha who has been fairly solid the past 2 years (only that other bigger stars have emerged), and that the fairness equation becomes questionable if she gets shunted in favour of Liza / Anna if the two continue to have doubtful form.
I knew he has a good taste. :yes:
