2018 NHK Ladies Free Skate

[CaroLiza_fan]

Ted Barton, Angel: "What a dramatic and moving program from Rika Kihira, and together with a historic moment. That was the first 3A-3T in senior competition, and she followed it up with another textbook 3A. Just so, so impressive. Rika, of course, was the first lady in history to land that combination, at last year's junoir grand prix final.

That's not to overshadow the skill and power of the rest of her performance, either. This young lady is quick, graceful, and has lovely clean lines. We're truly privileged to watch her coming into her own."

OK, so could you clear something up for me.

Is Ted commentating on CBC (or some other channel), or is this just what you think he would say if he was commentating?

Because, if it is the latter, it is so spot on that I can actually hear him in my head saying it!

CaroLiza_fan

 

[Mrs. P]

That was a solid performance for Alena especially having to go after Rika! And that step sequence was such vintage Alena! She should be really proud of her performances here.

 

[rikaquegira]

True.

Although I'm still rooting for Liza...I hope she can make the podium!

Liza will make the Final! She could get silver or bronze here, gold would be insane, no? Rika was down in the SP so she and Satoko do have a lead but will it be enough? :think:

 

[Danny T]

Such a personal victory, wow what a skate :luv17:

 

[sequinsgalore]

9 Alena LEONOVA (RUS)

Music: The Legend of Zorro (soundtrack) by James Horner

White blouse under black corset, black tights

3T+3T
2A
3Lz - !
2A
FCSp4
ChSq
3F+2T
3F+2T+2Lo
3S - hand down, stumble out
CCoSp3
StSq3 - small wobble
CCoSp3

One iffy landing, but otherwise strong skate with 5 triples. She seems very happy

FS: 63.07+62.86 = 125.93, 194.15, 4/9

 

[Hyena]

And then Alena Leonova goes out there, lands most of her jumps and sells her step sequence?

I may be jinxing us but this event has been completely worth staying up late for.

 

[draqq]

Elena Leonova

- Musical opening moves, strong 3T+3T to start (+3)
- Good landing on 2A, could have gotten free leg out faster (+1)
- Very strong 3Lz (+2)
- Nice 2A (+1)
- A bit slow on the donut spin but good first positions on flying camel (+1)
- Good musicality to the choreo sequence (+3)
- Solid 3F+2T (+2)
- Safely through the 3F+2T+2Lo (+2)
- Hand-down and turn-out on 3S (+3)
- Fair speed through combo spin (+0)
- Lovely facial expression and attack in the step sequence, a bit slow in parts (+2)
- Fine centering and good stretch in positions, could be faster in final spin (+1)

Another strong performance from the ladies! A bit labored and slow in spots, but a very energetic and soulful program to Zorro. Leonova has the attack and spunk to pull off pretty much any heroic adventurous soundtrack, like Pirates of the Caribbean in the past. So glad to see her doing well.

 

[kevinVchicago]

I have a question...
It used to be that none of the top ladies would do a 3-2 in the FS unless it was a 3-2-2. Tonight, they all do. Something changed? I don't like it. [emoji53]

 

[WeakAnkles]

Alena Found Her Mojo!

 

[Lota]

Aleeenaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!! :sad21: (I need a happy-crying emoji for this) NOT ONE FALL! (even if there was a hand-down) So happy for her, so proud, THANK YOU! :hap93:

 

[jillredhand]

Ted Barton, Angel: "Well, none of the ladies here tonight are going to give any ground up without a fight, and Alena Leonova least of all. She has a style and fire all her own.

Here's the opening triple toe triple toe, big, clean, very nice.

Hand down on the triple salchow, you see that she was on a lean in the air, but she did a good job saving it from being a fall.

You could see a little frustration on her face at the end there, but followed shortly by a well-deserved smile. A great performance from a unique and special skater."

 

[Skater Boy]

Rika did it!!! She killed it. Another threat - Zagitova must be panicking now - she has no quad or triple axel and is not as strong as last year. Rika must be so happy yet relieved. She did; She really showed her potential. The scoreis amazing - and the jumps. 3A is huge!!!!

 

[moriel]

Liza will make the Final! She could get silver or bronze here, gold would be insane, no? Rika was down in the SP so she and Satoko do have a lead but will it be enough? :think:

Liza is good even with 4th, because with a gold and a 4th she will be ahead of folks with 2nd and 3rd on tiebreaker.

 

[mirai4life]

Satako's PB is 146 only

 

[Ichatdelune]

One hands-down but a fiery performance from Leonova. And I'm trying to keep tears down on the bus...

Wait, Kihira Rika got enough for gold?

 

[moriel]

also yay for Alena

 

[lavenderblossom]

Good luck Mai!!!

 

[anonymoose_au]

Alena gets +5.00 GOE for giving face!

 

[draqq]

And deserved. She is not there yet for more PCS. Give her some time to grow.

I disagree a bit. I think her musicality and speed across the ice, with that specific performance, should be in the 8.75 range.

 

[moriel]

One hands-down but a fiery performance from Leonova. And I'm trying to keep tears down on the bus...

Wait, Kihira Rika got enough for gold?

not sure but looks like that