2018 Olympics Ladies SP Play by Play

[sequinsgalore]

11 AUSTMAN Larkyn (CAN)

Music: Mein Herr (from Cabaret)

Black sparkly dress, choker

3S+2T - fall
3F
FSSp
LSp
2A - scratchy, hangs on
StSq
CCoSp

Fall

SP: 25.93+26.49-1.00 = 51.42 (PB), 7/11

 

[draqq]

Larkyn Austman

Ouch, a fall on the 3S+3T (might be < and it is). A bit careful with steps into the 3F. Good change over in the combo spin. Good illusion into a fast layback spin but may not be able achieve some of the levels necessary (Level 2). A bit wobbly on the 2A. Good looks and expression through the footwork with good accents to the music (Level 2). And a good change foot combination spin that was fast and ended on the music properly (Level 4).

Cabaret is difficult to live up to, but I think she was able to capture that look and body line that fits the jazz style. Some problems with all the jumps and spin levels today, but she's got the hallmark for having great artistry. She could have more transitions and more speed, though.

 

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12 MEITE Mae Berenice (FRA)

Music: Halo by Beyonce, cover version by Jasmin Thompson; Run the World (Girls) by Beyonce

Black jumpsuit, gold sparkly bodice

3F+2T - hand down flip, tight combo
CCoSp
FCSp
3Lo
2A
StSq
LSp

Messy combo, the rest was better

SP: 28.24+25.43 = 53.67, 6/12

 

[draqq]

Mae Berenice Meite

A bit forward and looks to be hands down on the 3F+2T. Better clarity in the combination spin. Fine flying camel spin (Level 4). Clean 3Lo after footwork and fairly high 2A as well with no problems. Good energy through the step sequence, though it's a bit slow (Level 3). And a competent layback spin (Level 4).

She may not be the most elegant or balanced skater, but she's got her own voice, good fight, and nice energy. I wish that the first half of the program wasn't such a soft version of Halo, because I think she has better personality with the more upbeat hip-hop. She should still qualify with that performance.

 

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13 CRAINE Kailani (AUS)

Music: Dream a Little Dream of Me performed by Ella Fitzgerald
One Day (Swingrowers Remix) performed by Caro Emerald

Pink dress, white gloves

3F
CCoSp
StSq
3Lo+2T
2A
FSSp
LSp

Very nice skate, she smiles relieved

SP: 30.36+26.41 = 56.77, 2/13

 

[draqq]

Kalaini Crane

Cleanly landed 3F with a clear wallie beforehand. Good center and fairly fast change combination spin.A bit slwo but good edge changes in the step sequence (Level 3. Playing it safe with the 3Lo+2T instead. Good hand above the head in the 2A. Nice stable positions in the flying sit spin (Level 4), and great Biellmann in the layback spin (Level 4).

Decently executed program with a bubbly personality and effervescent cuteness. Very good spins and cleanly landed jumps today. I think she could easily be one of the top tier skaters with more speed and a triple-triple. Good outing for the Australian!

 

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14 TOTH Ivett (HUN)

Music: Back in Black performed by AC DC
Thunderstruck performed by AC DC

Black biker vest and pants, studded details, fingerless gloves

3T+3T
CCoSp
3Lz - twofoot, maybe <
FCSp
StSq
CCoSp
LSp

Iffy lutz, the rest was better

FS: 27.60+25.62 = 53.22 (SB), 8/14

 

[draqq]

Ivett Toth

Well-done 3T+3T with good speed and flow-out. Okay speed through the combo spin (Level 4). Two-footed 3Lz (might be <, ouch it was counted as a downgrade <<). Fairly good flying camel spin. Good use of spread eagles and running camels, just different feel and choreography for the step (Level 2). Nice Russian split right into the 2A. Strong Biellmann in the layback spin (Level 4).

Wonderful music choice and great strength to deliver AC/DC's Thunderstruck. No "Back in Black" it seems. I'm just glad to see anything other than the princess grace of formal skating. Good use of spread eagles through the program. The judges aren't really going for this sadly, but I think it's great and unique for ladies skating. That downgrade and the Level 2 step is going to hurt a bit.

 

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15 RUSSO Giada (ITA)

Music: Eyes Wide Shut (soundtrack)

Black sparkly dress

3F
3S+COMBO - fall
LSp
FSSp
2A
CCoSp
StSq

Costly fall on planned combo

SP: 25.90+25.98-1.00 = 50.88 (SB), 12/15

 

[draqq]

Giada Russo

Alright 3F to open, was meant to be the combo. Ouch, a fall on the 3S and no combo. Fairly good layback spin with speed (Level 4) and nice center on the flying sit spin (Level 4). Good spiral into the 2A. Great positions in the combo spin (Level 4). Beautiful and innovative step sequence, with many modern shapes and wonderful timing to the haunting music (Level 4).

Very contemporary music selection. I wish Giada just had the jumps because she has some of the best skill on the blade. That step sequence will be one of the best in the entire competition with the precision and intricacy. Luckily, she had no downgrades even with the miss on the combo.

Darn, it doesn't look like Giada is going to qualify. Oh well...

 

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16 HENDRICKX Loena (BEL)

Music: Frozen performed by Madonna

Black jumpsuit, sheer details

3Lz+3T - ok, maybe 3T<
FSSp
CCoSp
2A
1F*
StSq
LSp

Shame about the pop, she is mad about the mistake

SP: 27.79+27.37 = 55.16 (SB), 6/16

 

[draqq]

Loena Hendrickx

Good rippon 3Lz+3T (might be < and it is sadly). Great height in the flying part of the sit spin (Level 4). Wonderful positions in the combo spin (Level 4). Spread eagle into the 2A, a little slow but completed. Ouch, only a 1F - invalid. Good speed and attack through the footwork sequence (Level 3). Very good speed through the layback spin with a fantastic Biellmann spin (Level 4).

Ah, she's quite upset at the missed 3F. But she was able to carry the speed, the tone of the music, and the tension of the program. I think she'll still be able to qualify just on the quality of the elements. I love this selection of Madonna's "Frozen" as a piece for a short and this modern pop take on the ladies skating. But she's got a lot of potential to be a top skater.

 

[sequinsgalore]

17 SCHOTT Nicole (GER)

Music: Nella Fantasia by Ennio Morricone performed by Jackie Evancho

Blue ombre long-sleeve dress

3F
3T+3T
FCSp
CCoSp
StSq
2A
LSp

She fistpumps

SP: 31.62+27.58 = 59.20 (SB), 2/17

 

[draqq]

Nicole Schott

Good landing on the 3F to open. 3T+3T looks clean, maybe <. Good center through the flying camel spin (Level 3). Slight travel on the combo spin (Level 4). Footwork has some good moments and flow (Level 2). Nice and neat 2A, and a well-centered layback spin (Level 4).

A pleasant skate, calm and comforting, like a spring breeze. She could have more speed and just a bit more stretch, but that was a clean, uncluttered performance. Most of her elements are around a +0 and +1 GOE.

 

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18 RAJICOVA Nicole (SVK)

Music: Une page d'amour by Nathalia Mansner

Dark red long-sleeve dress

3Lo+2T
FCSp
3Lz
LSp
2A
StSq
CCoSp

Solid skate

SP: 32.36+28.34 = 60.59, 2/18

 

[draqq]

Nicole Rajicova

Alright 3Lo+2T to start. Fine flying camel spin (Level 4). Clean 3Lz without a problem it seems. Good acceleration in the layback spin (Level 4). Secure 2A right into the footwork, with plenty of intricate steps and solid edges (nice, Level 4). A bit of travel on the last spin (Level 4).

Nicole generates fairly good speed and she had clean jumps today without any under-rotations. I wish that she could emphasize that waltz beat much more. She was able to cope with some of the complicated choreography, but she needs more impact and presence.

 

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19 SAKAMOTO Kaori (JPN)

Music: Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven

Ombre blue dress

LSp
StSq
FCSp
3F+3T
3Lo
2A
CCoSp

Very nice skate, big jumps. She fistpumps!

SP: 40.36+32.82 = 73.18 (PB), 1/19

 

[draqq]

Kaori Sakamoto

Fast and centered layback spin to start (Level 4). Good edges and speed through the step sequence (Level 4) as well as strong rotation in the flying camel spin (Level 4). Backloading those jumps... Very clean and secure 3F+3T. Good 3-turn into the 3Lo, high and assured. Great running edge out of the 2A. And a great center on the combo spin! (Level 4)

Wonderfully executed program with Level 4s down the sheet and +1 to +2s on all of the elements. I like Kaori's lightness and glide across the ice, as the majority of the top Japanese ladies have. I think she could still have more presence and have more movements that are right on the waltz beat of Moonlight Sonata, but she's a fantastic technical skater and has spiffy skating skills.

 

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20 NAGASU Mirai (USA)

Music: Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor by Frederic Chopin performed by Catherine Manoukian

Dark red sweetheart dress, lace sleeves, silver sparkle

3A - turnout, fall
3F+3T
FCSp
3Lo - ok, bit tight
CCoSp
StSq
LSp

No, shame about the 3A. Did everything else nicely though

SP: 37.24+30.69-1.00 = 66.93 (SB), 2/20

 

[draqq]

Mirai Nagasu

Ouch, fall on the 3A with a stumble. Wonderfully round 3F+3T with great ride-out. Flying camel spin had a good center (Level 4). A bit of a wobble on the landing of the 3Lo. The combination spin had good flow between the positions but she might lose a level (no, Level 4, thank goodness). Fine step sequence with more patience than she usually has (Level 3). And a wonderful layback spin to finish (Level 4).

She had an alright performance here. She fought for the 3A but a hard fall on it. As usual, Mirai gets a bit stiff on the performance if she makes a mistake since she's concentrating so hard. Good spins and no under-rotations thankfully so her score should still be high.