2019-20 Ladies' power ranking

[lesnar001]

Don't count out Kostornaia. Anything can happen.
Zagitova was thought to be unbeatable in 2017-18. And then Worlds 2018 happened.

Don't count out Zagitova.
Zagitova was thought to be "all done/should retire/ruined technique" in 2018-19.
And then Worlds 2019 happened.

 

[skatenewbie]

Shcherbakoba maybe but no way in hell she is beating Trusova.

Why not? Without 3A in SP she already scored 77, with clean 3A she will get 83-84 at least, thats almost 10 point more than Trusova. In LP with 2 3A she got 157, mind you she got UR on 2nd 3A, if clean easily 160+, so even if Trusova clean and scored 170, squeaky clean Kostornaya could beat her. The judges really generous with her GOE and PCS from the start

 

[SkatingFan9]

Why not? Without 3A in SP she already scored 77, with clean 3A she will get 83-84 at least, thats almost 10 point more than Trusova. In LP with 2 3A she got 157, mind you she got UR on 2nd 3A, if clean easily 160+, so even if Trusova clean and scored 170, squeaky clean Kostornaya could beat her. The judges really generous with her GOE and PCS from the start

Fully clean Sasha can score 250-255 easily (her PCS is slowly starting to rise... and also assuming no more bizarre level 2 step sequence calls).

Alena really can’t match that.

The time for Alena and the others to try to take advantage of any mistake(s) by Sasha is now, though..because it won’t be long before Sasha debuts a 3A herself in competition. At that point, it will be game over for everyone else.

 

[skatenewbie]

Fully clean Trusova can score 250-255 easily (her PCS is slowly starting to rise... and also assuming no more bizarre level 2 step sequence calls).

Kostornaya really can’t match that.

The time for Kostornaya and the others to try to take advantage of any mistake(s) by Trusova is now, though..because it won’t be long before Trusova debuts a 3A herself (based on her comments). At that point, it will be game over for everyone else.

255? how? She has YET to scored above 75 in SP even if she skate cleanly and her 4 quad FP clean wont score 180... without the fall in 4S she got extra 5.85 point and considering GOE and level on step and spins 175 is her max score, 250 is barely doable. Trusova PCS will rise so does Kostornaya who already gt 34/71 compared to Trusova 33/67, in IdF im not surprised if Kostornaya got even more, soon she will get 35-36/73 at least.

 

[lzxnl]

You guys are forgetting that Rika scored 230 with a step out on a 3A and no lutz. Step out costs her 5 points. No lutz in the short costs her 2 points (her lutz earns more GOE than her loop). No lutz in the free costs her 3 points for the 2A and another point for the 3F. She also has room for about 3 more points in PCS. That's 243 without a 4S, all fairly doable. Give her a clean 4S and she'll reasonably hit 250 too, but that's uncertain as of yet.

To anyone who says 'but she has to skate her (no 4S) layout cleanly first', they're normally the ones saying Alena will surpass 84 in the short. She has to land a 3A in the short first too, so it's a similar level of assumption. Rika has actually landed all her jumps before.

 

[eterialskater]

255? how? She has YET to scored above 75 in SP even if she skate cleanly and her 4 quad FP clean wont score 180... without the fall in 4S she got extra 5.85 point and considering GOE and level on step and spins 175 is her max score, 250 is barely doable. Trusova PCS will rise so does Kostornaya who already gt 34/71 compared to Trusova 33/67, in IdF im not surprised if Kostornaya got even more, soon she will get 35-36/73 at least.

It wouldn't be to far fetch for Trusova to score over 75 or near 80 in her SP without 3A. You make it sound like it's such an insurmountable feat. It's not. Kostornaya also has to YET score over 160 in LP or land a 3A in her SP and break Kihira's WR. What's with all the undermining of Trusova's ability or potential. Yet here you are already talking about Kostornaya's WR that has not happen and talking like Trusova is not going to score past 75 in SP in her career. The fact of the matter is Kostornaya is still closer to Zagitova than to Trusova scorewise.

 

[readernick]

You guys are forgetting that Rika scored 230 with a step out on a 3A and no lutz. Step out costs her 5 points. No lutz in the short costs her 2 points (her lutz earns more GOE than her loop). No lutz in the free costs her 3 points for the 2A and another point for the 3F. She also has room for about 3 more points in PCS. That's 243 without a 4S, all fairly doable. Give her a clean 4S and she'll reasonably hit 250 too, but that's uncertain as of yet.

To anyone who says 'but she has to skate her (no 4S) layout cleanly first', they're normally the ones saying Alena will surpass 84 in the short. She has to land a 3A in the short first too, so it's a similar level of assumption. Rika has actually landed all her jumps before.

That score is definitely possible for Rika. And, I hope that she is able to add the 4S because she had become a very stable competitor. However, as much as I love Rika and Aliona (They are my favorites among all the amazing ladies skaters) they are still definitely (currently) at a deficit against Trusova.
It seems to me that Trusova is all my herself at the top. Then Aliona/Rika(with a lutz 83/84 SP 154/156 long program) are tied for second. Then Alina is a little below them.. Rika with a 4S would definitely have a chance against Trusova now. But, if Trusova gets a 3A the other girls can say goodbye to their chances against cleanish Trusova.

 

[Totentanz]

For me, Trusova should always place lower than both Kostornaya and Kihira in the PCS. And by lower, I mean a big gap there should be that her quads aren't enough to make up for it. If all three skates clean in the SP and FS, my overall ranking would look like this:

1. Kostornaya
2. Kihira
3. Trusova

I hope this scenerio happens at least once along the season, so people can see quads are not the most important thing in this sport if you are way behind in PCS.

 

[Georgya]

For me, Trusova should always place lower than both Kostornaya and Kihira in the PCS. And by lower, I mean a big gap there should be that her quads aren't enough to make up for it. If all three skates clean in the SP and FS, my overall ranking would look like this:

1. Kostornaya
2. Kihira
3. Trusova

I hope this scenerio happens at least once along the season, so people can see quads are not the most important thing in this sport if you are way behind in PCS.

You mean a big gap like 11 points? Some people really are irrational in their bias. I mean Kihira has more musicality and interpretation but you have to be unreasonable to say she should be +11 points in PCS over Trusova. I would like this myth of Alexandra not having skating skills to stop. No lady with poor skating skills could do a cantilever like that. Alexandra has good skating skills and transitions.

 

[ruga]

I too think that Sasha's scores are more or less fair. Yes, the PCS could have been a few points lower and the GOEs were bit high on one element or another, but again, men get quite high GOEs on quads just because they land them so I assume judges apply that to women too. She is improving her artistry with small but steady steps. Should be a delight to watch once she gets more comfortable with layout.

Too bad Evgenia has almost no chances to make the GPF ( but a door has opened to Liza. She has a lot of chances with only You and Miyahara who could spoil that for her.

Can't wait for IdF! A lot of my favorite skaters are there, including Aliona and Alina, the only top skater who hasn't shown her both programs competitively. Every event is so exciting, I can't believe I get to see so many great skaters competing at the same time.

 

[Mishaminion]

You mean a big gap like 11 points? Some people really are irrational in their bias. I mean Kihira has more musicality and interpretation but you have to be unreasonable to say she should be +11 points in PCS over Trusova. I would like this myth of Alexandra not having skating skills to stop. No lady with poor skating skills could do a cantilever like that. Alexandra has good skating skills and transitions.

People act like she has nothing but jumps and it's nonsense. She isn't Kostornaia level but her basics are good, her performance skills are far from bad and she's actually improving in these areas while still adding technical content

 

[[email protected]]

You are clearly under impression of her recent skate and achievements. It's all right, but still, with a cool head - one can clearly see that Trusova is not that untouchable. Tbh, I would put Kostornaia in the same range as Trusova. Reason? Easy, Kostornaia already got 234 without 3A in a short. Which is close to 241 already. With addition of 3A in the short, and considering her more higher stability (not because Trusova is unstable - in fact she has almost perfect, Chen's level of stability on quads - still, it's lower than triples stability due to natural difficulty of quads), GOEs and PCS (and love of judges which Trusova definitely can't be bragging about) how much do you think she can get? I already expect at least 238 in France if she will be as clean as in Finland - with the same layout as it was there. If she will change 2A to 3A in SP and will be clean.. soon we will see

With full jump content and expected judging (including lost levels) I see Trusova's score around 75+170=245. If Alyona introduces 3A in the short program I can imagine 82+160=242. Before she wins the worlds I don't see her getting Alina's pcs - it will be in the Rika's range 36+72 So that I don't think that in the same competition she will beat Sasha. And my estimation is based on her introducing 3A to the short program which we should see first. Plus as I said already Sasha has upsides some of which are easy. Like raising SS level in the short program. She got level 4 this season already - level 2, I hope, was a one time misunderstanding. She can work on level 4 spins as well. At least as of now she has no some other skaters limitations like being not able to do Bielmann. She is not a brilliant spinner but at least technically she can do them all.

The second 3A in the free program does not bring a lot of perks because you have to sacrifice one of other triples. And with Alyona's not jumping 3Lo combos it is 3T in the combo so that she has to do 3A-2T which is worth less than 3Lz-3T.

 

[DSQ]

Trusova is a category 5 typhoon that just made landfall. A true phenom. Even her teammates Shcherbakova and Kostornaya who are artistically superior and also have difficult programs can't keep up with her. I don't think anyone outside those 2 and possibly Kihira have a prayer beating her.

Not this season I agree. Tbh fair play to her, those quads are amazing and she has solid skills in every other area. Performance could be better but she’s far from a bad performer.

I’ll be interested to see how the season plays out. I do think in coming quad jumps does make me think the rule about no quads in the ladies is more and more outdated. I’d be interested to either bring it in to the men’s competition or get rid of it entirely.

 

[Edwin]

Not this season I agree. Tbh fair play to her, those quads are amazing and she has solid skills in every other area. Performance could be better but she’s far from a bad performer.

I’ll be interested to see how the season plays out. I do think in coming quad jumps does make me think the rule about no quads in the ladies is more and more outdated. I’d be interested to either bring it in to the men’s competition or get rid of it entirely.

Aleksandra is pushing the envelope, along with a whole bunch of other skaters trained and coached by #TeamTutberidzeForProgress.

It is up to the other skaters, trainers, federations now to catch up with triksels and quads. Easier said than done, learning these ultra-si skills takes lots of time, determination and practice, which few other rinks, clubs or federations can provide.
Russian kids are fortunate with the state furnishing accommodations, basic training etc in specialised sports schools.

IMO ultra-si is best learned when young and only needs to be maintained over the years once mastered.

 

[YuBluByMe]

1. Alexandra Trusova (+3): She’s still landing those quads. I originally thought four quads was too risky, but now I see she has to go for four. Three puts her too close to Kihira, Kostornaia and Scherbakova.

2. Rika Kihira (-1): Has the most consistent and highest scoring 3A on the list. She performed both programs much better than at Autumn Classic and managed a 230 with a weaker free skate layout. On to NHK!

3. Alena Kostornaia (-1)

4. Alina Zagitova (-1): I’m not particularly a fan of hers, but I do have a soft spot for her so I hope she does well this season. She may very well be the only lady without a quad or 3A to qualify for GPF.


5. Anna Scherbakova (no change)

6. Young You (+4) : A pleasant surprise and the indisputable #1 Korean lady. She landed the 3A (beautiful!) in the SP. That was the first time she landed the 3A clean and that was definitely the time to do it. She also earned a second GP assignment in China and if she skates like she did in Canada, she will almost certainly qualify for GPF.

7. Kaori Sakamoto (-1)

8. Bradie Tennell (-1) : A silver and a fourth place is incredibly good in fields with quads and 3As. She held her own and performed very well and pulled out a 210+ in both GPs. If she cleans up her URs, she can pull a 220. Either way, I consider her to be a medal contender at 4CC.

9. Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (no change) : She can still qualify for GPF, but she’s in an uncomfortable situation because You can beat her and doesn’t need to land both 3As to do so. She, on the other hand, needs to land all three and change her layout. Take out the 2As and add a 3-3. If stamina/conditioning is a problem, then take out the second 3A in the free. Most of all, stop pouting and handle the issue. It’s not the judges, it’s you. So skate your butt off and do the job!

10. Satoko Miyahara (new): Miyahara is relatively consistent, but the technical panel isn’t. Depending on the panel, she can score as low as 200 or as high as 220. She also has non-zero chances to qualify for GPF. We’ll see what happens in China.


Removed

Evgenia Medvedeva: Qualifying for the GPF would have been a great statement to make. It won’t happen, but I’m not a doomster. GP Russia may well be her last international competition this season, but it doesn’t have to be. Last year, the Japanese Federation sent Mai Mihara (4th at Japanese Nationals) to 4CC and sent Miyahara (3rd at Japanese Nationals) to Worlds. Perhaps Russia can take a page or two from that book?

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

Evgenia Medvedeva: Qualifying for the GPF would have been a great statement to make. It won’t happen, but I’m not a doomster. GP Russia may well be her last international competition this season, but it doesn’t have to be. Last year, the Japanese Federation sent Mai Mihara (4th at Japanese Nationals) to 4CC and sent Miyahara (3rd at Japanese Nationals) to Worlds. Perhaps Russia can take a page or two from that book?

You have to wonder if Evgenia doesn't make the world team, what does the future hold for her. I don't see a lot of opportunities for her to increase her BV; a 3A doesn't look like it will ever happen given her struggles with the 2A. A 4S would help her a lot, but I'm not sure if she'd be able to land that consistently. If everyone skates clean, she is only the 5th or 6th best senior Russian right now. Will she be satisfied with that placement?

 

[readernick]

You have to wonder if Evgenia doesn't make the world team, what does the future hold for her. I don't see a lot of opportunities for her to increase her BV; a 3A doesn't look like it will ever happen given her struggles with the 2A. A 4S would help her a lot, but I'm not sure if she'd be able to land that consistently. If everyone skates clean, she is only the 5th or 6th best senior Russian right now. Will she be satisfied with that placement?

Hard to say, but I think Tuk is in a similar situation. I believe Alina might be next year, too. The Russian's ladies field is tough. If Evgenia really loves skating then there is no reason she can't continue. The judges love her and she will continue go get high enough scores to ensure participation on the GP. It will come down to what her motivation truly is for continuing. Honestly, no one knows what the situation will be in 2022.

 

[lzxnl]

Hard to say, but I think Tuk is in a similar situation. I believe Alina might be next year, too. The Russian's ladies field is tough. If Evgenia really loves skating then there is no reason she can't continue. The judges love her and she will continue go get high enough scores to ensure participation on the GP. It will come down to what her motivation truly is for continuing. Honestly, no one knows what the situation will be in 2022.

We've all the jokes about becoming a Canadian.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

Hard to say, but I think Tuk is in a similar situation. I believe Alina might be next year, too. The Russian's ladies field is tough. If Evgenia really loves skating then there is no reason she can't continue. The judges love her and she will continue go get high enough scores to ensure participation on the GP. It will come down to what her motivation truly is for continuing. Honestly, no one knows what the situation will be in 2022.

It's clear Evgenia loves skating and enjoys competing. However, she has struggled with injuries and is at increased likelihood of getting re-injured if she makes the technical upgrades necessary to compete for the top podium spots. Does she continue to risk her health if it gets to the point where she isn't competitive for world spots? I'm not sure if she would, as most reasonable people wouldn't.

 

[YuBluByMe]

You have to wonder if Evgenia doesn't make the world team, what does the future hold for her. I don't see a lot of opportunities for her to increase her BV; a 3A doesn't look like it will ever happen given her struggles with the 2A. A 4S would help her a lot, but I'm not sure if she'd be able to land that consistently. If everyone skates clean, she is only the 5th or 6th best senior Russian right now. Will she be satisfied with that placement?

You’re right. Also, Japan’s actions may not be a fair comparison. The ladies field in Japan is stagnant right now; the same three ladies at the top last year will still be at the top this year. I don’t think that Medvedeva will be selected for Worlds. But I wasn’t thinking of Worlds, actually. I was thinking of Euros. Yes, realistically, she wouldn't be selected to Euros either, but what if Russia switches up the skaters for the two different competitions, regardless of standing?