2025-26 Russian Nationals Men's Free Skate

[Paulipau]

I'm back and surprised exhibition didn't even start. Just want to say that at the conclusion of this tournament Vetlugin is my ultimate highlight. Men in general was—sort of as expected—the best discipline by far. Definitely the densest 18-person line-up of any event of the entire world-wide season. Zhenya's SP worth mentioning as well. Mark's FS, too. But across 2 programs Vetlugin was certainly the hero—the main character of today. So happy for him. I was jumping up and down for every element. It felt similar to watching Adeliia go clean last year.

Still can't believe Frolova bombed. One of the most devastating things I've seen, TBH.

Frolova? You mean Sadkova?

 

[Mathematician]

Frolova? You mean Sadkova?

Nah, Frolova effectively bombed for me considering the circumstances. Podium was completely open. I don't want to get into it though I don't want to be negative about her.

 

[Mathematician]

Petr's never been a leader until he was awarded the Olympic spot now he can't lose. He suddenly has this undeserved aura about him

There's truth to that but thing is if he podiums he basically justifies the entire quad for the Russian men, so he can be forgiven for this scoring if he manages it. It's quite possible to happen the international men have been bombing and Petr is relatively consistent. The URs wont matter as long as he lands everything and the others aren't perfect. Most of their BV is lower and they're likely to fall once which compensates for rotation losses. The effect on Russian titles if Petr brings home an Olympic medal will give back 10x more than whatever he might've taken from the others. Lots of pressure on him to perform.