2026 Russian Junior Test Skates | Aug 05-20

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Shesheleva/Karnaukhov:
Curious mistake by Polina, slight loss of balance in one choreo position, but not effecting any tech element. Otherwise good.

 

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Guseva/Ovchinnikov:
Maybe the best today as for summary of technical level and choreo.

 

[lariko]

I can't wait to watch. Russian junior pairs are always such a fun event. This is probably the line up we will see in Nationals unless someone bursts onto the stage.

 

[flanker]

Pairs FS are starting:

https://www.1tv.ru/sport/kontrolnye-prokaty-sbornoy-rossii-po-figurnomu-kataniyu-sredi-yuniorov-2026

 

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Kamaldinova/Marishin:
Tall guy had smaller troubles with jumps, but otherwise good performance.
Edit: But he probably made some mistake in lasso lift, seems his shoulder got a hard time.

 

[lariko]

I am taking a few Thursdays off so can enjoy the FS live today. SP was really solid for everyone. So far I didn't feel like rule changes messed up the pairs. But we'll see with the free. StP pair looks a bit more grown up than the rest of the juniors, but less prepared yet -- probably because they don't have to compete for a while yet.

 

[lariko]

I think the new partnership is really good for Kovyazina, but ouch on all the jumps. Fun programs!

 

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Kovyazina/Rodionov:
Newly paired again. Cats. Unfortunately she fell at first solo jump that was supposed to be a combo, they backloaded the combo, although he did Euler the first time. But otherwise kinda polished performance already.

 

[flanker]

I am taking a few Thursdays off so can enjoy the FS live today. SP was really solid for everyone. So far I didn't feel like rule changes messed up the pairs. But we'll see with the free. StP pair looks a bit more grown up than the rest of the juniors, but less prepared yet -- probably because they don't have to compete for a while yet.

Here is rule changes analysis for singles and pairs, interesting, but it is done for seniors.

 

[lariko]

I actually really like the new rules for death spiral. The cool entry and exit really frames them well

 

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Sazhina/Belkin:
Matrix (again). Solo jumps were little problematic, but good otherwise, the last lift had pretty interesting entry.

 

[lariko]

I can watch literally any number of Matrix programs heh. Some cool choreo, but a bit rough otherwise. I am really looking forward to polished version

 

[lariko]

Yup, Shesheleva/Karnaukhov are ready to compete in a week. Loved the last spin!

 

[flanker]

Shesheleva/Karnaukhov:
Truly best junior pair of the present. Smaller details need to polish but the base is amazing.

 

[lariko]

Shesheleva/Karnaukhov:
Truly best junior pair of the present. Smaller details need to polish but the base is amazing.

I assume they started preparing earlier because there was a chance they will compete mid August while the rest didn't really have to be ready until September for RGP.

 

[lariko]

Argh, Guseva/Ovchinikov messed up combo, but I really hope they will get that 3rd slot for pairs and will be able to compete with that lift. Expect Tran'kov and Morozov to confirm that the lift is valid, they were wo0rrying about it yesterday.

 

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Guseva/Ovchinnikov:
Messed combo unfortunately. But some cool moments, plus great throw jumps. They are very promising.

 

[lariko]

They still think tech might have problems with the lift, as it might break the rules, which will be a set back.

 

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Domozhirova/Vegera:
First solo jump with troubles (was it supposed to be a combo?), second jump in sequence. Dynamic, promising pair, although Kira probably grew and matured since the last season so they they have to adjust, but so far they seem to do well.

 

[lariko]

Dunno what Tran'kov doesn't like about choreo spins. I love them in pairs. Very fun and creative. Better than nose to the groin classic stuff.