Any Sasha updates?

[MKFSfan]

Yes, a Russian Split is allowed in the SP. It's considered a transition or a move in the field and helps boost GOE's and the PCS mark.

Lynn Rutherford tweeted: Shades of old Sasha -- everyone in media area "ah huhed" as Cohen cut Gao off during the latter's free skate run-through.

 

[Kwanford Wife]

Just watched the YouTube video and had four thoughts:

1. I am glad to see Sasha on the ice again... I missed the sense of drama both she and Kwan brought to Nationals and its nice to actually feel that excitement again.

2. While I can understand those that feel the need to pick apart the fall and the possible flutz (which - seriously - like you can make an informed decision based on a youtube link...) I agree with Mr. Nicks that if Sasha stays on her feet, she's going to be hard to beat. Also, that if she skates her short program like previous programs, she will probably have a large enough cushion to still make her hard to beat with a fall in the long.

3. Looks like the SOI and her frantic work to prepare for tomorrow have paid off - lots of speed, good ice coverage, excellent spiral and spins. To my eye she looks sharper than previous competitions - something in her body position that goes beyond line: Sasha had confidence. Not just swaggar.

4. The idea that Alissa could have scores equal to a rejuevinated Sasha is kinda hard for me to process. Don't get me wrong, Alissa is a lovely skater with wonderful qualities, but she lacks the heat, that indefinable "something" that has always affected the second mark. Both have historically left points on the table,despite judging system, with technical issues.

But only tomorrow will tell the tale. Good luck to all the ladies and may the best skater win.

 

[i love to skate]

2. While I can understand those that feel the need to pick apart the fall and the possible flutz (which - seriously - like you can make an informed decision based on a youtube link...)

The severe flutz is very obvious from this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTan27dC6BU

 

[MKFSfan]

I agree with you KW. I'd even go as far to say that if Sasha skates that same way, with the flutz, fall and wonky landing of 2ax, I think her score will still keep her way up there in contention for Gold. If she's clean, it's all but over and she'll be the Ladies' Champ.

 

[Kwanford Wife]

The severe flutz is very obvious from this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTan27dC6BU

Still didn't see it... But the video is pretty grainy, so it was difficult to see the flutz. But again, that is the trouble with judging stuff based on YouTube... the quality of most videos leads people to see what they want to see... Thank goodness the judges will have a clear feed and excellent seats, right?

 

[i love to skate]

Still didn't see it... But the video is pretty grainy, so it was difficult to see the flutz. But again, that is the trouble with judging stuff based on YouTube... the quality of most videos leads people to see what they want to see... Thank goodness the judges will have a clear feed and excellent seats, right?

You really didn't see it? :scratchause it around .40 seconds and you can clearly see her on a severe inside edge. Yes, obviously the technical panel has a clearer view.

 

[MKFSfan]

She starts off with a shallow outside edge and switches over just before she picks in. Definitely a flutz even without slow-mo. I didn't think it was as obvious as years before where she never really attempted an OE, but it's there. She switches back and forth on the edges to both lutz and flip.

 

[janetfan]

She starts off with a shallow outside edge and switches over just before she picks in. Definitely a flutz even without slow-mo. I didn't think it was as obvious as years before where she never really attempted an OE, but it's there. She switches back and forth on the edges to both lutz and flip.

So which is better - to fall on the lutz in the SP like Joannie just did - or to get a call on it?

 

[Kwanford Wife]

They both come with a -3 off the GOE so they work out to be the same. You get an extra -1.00 taken off your total score for the fall. As far as your skating career? It's better to fall on a lutz than to continue to do a flutz

Wow... then based on that logic, we should be glad its called figure skating and figure lutzing... then lots of wonderful skaters would be without a career.

(also, I am a lawyer so math isn't my strong point - isn't -3 + -1=-4? so the tie doesn't work...)

 

[demarinis5]

Loved Sasha's SP. Never mind making the team as No. 2. I am thinking Gold here. I was very impressed wither her practice skate.

 

[KellyWil70]

Nobody has her posture, presence, or her style. I'm such a HUGE Kwan fan, but I'm thrilled that Sasha is back! Let the games begin! Get 'em Sasha!

 

[janetfan]

Wow... then based on that logic, we should be glad its called figure skating and figure lutzing... then lots of wonderful skaters would be without a career.

(also, I am a lawyer so math isn't my strong point - isn't -3 + -1=-4? so the tie doesn't work...)

How about for the pcs? Does robotic skating score as many points as beautiully expressive skating?

 

[i love to skate]

Wow... then based on that logic, we should be glad its called figure skating and figure lutzing... then lots of wonderful skaters would be without a career.

(also, I am a lawyer so math isn't my strong point - isn't -3 + -1=-4? so the tie doesn't work...)

In the COP they would probably not have had as great a career - Lipinski and Hughes come to mind. When a skater keeps doing flutzes - they are always going to get a deduction. When you have a lutz that takes off on the correct edge you are able to get positive GOEs on it. Is that not better for a skater's career in the long run?

 

[Ice&Glass]

Sasha's new sp looks a bit like..... Malaguena 2.
I personally wish she chose different music, but nonetheless, she expresses it beautifully.

 

[Kwanford Wife]

In the COP they would probably not have had as great a career - Lipinski and Hughes come to mind. When a skater keeps doing flutzes - they are always going to get a deduction. When you have a lutz that takes off on the correct edge you are able to get positive GOEs on it. Is that not better for a skater's career in the long run?

True. But if the superiority of CoP being the focus on all elements of skating and most current skaters don't even do a lutz, I would argue that if a program is contructed properly, a skater has an equal shot at gaining points to make up the difference. Jeffery Buttle and his quad come to mind.

I would also argue that what makes up a skater's career in the long run would be a consistency of success at the highest levels - ie GP, National, World and Olympic medals. One can never discount reputation when it comes to skating, despite the dismay this causes us in the peanut gallery. Espcially for skaters who dominate at the National level but fail to capture the top prize or even hitting the podium on the international level.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

They both come with a -3 off the GOE so they work out to be the same. You get an extra -1.00 taken off your total score for the fall. As far as your skating career? It's better to fall on a lutz than to continue to do a flutz

Interesting. What does a skater who can not do a proper lutz and leaves the attempt out? Would that save on points, if he found other ways to make up for it?

 

[MKFSfan]

So which is better - to fall on the lutz in the SP like Joannie just did - or to get a call on it?

How about for the pcs? Does robotic skating score as many points as beautiully expressive skating?

WHY are you bringing Joannie into this discussion and knocking her down? What does one skater have to do with the other?

Sasha could lose up to -2GOE's for her flutz, giving her a potential 5.3 points for the combo. With a fall, as long as both jumps are fully rotated, the combo becomes a 4.3. Then you have another 1 point deduction to the overall score. And if she were to fall on the lutz yet not add a combo to her flip...much worse. So, better to land a clean flutz than to fall.

Joannie routinely does not get edge calls and rotates her jumps. She should end up with more +GOEs for her jumps than Sasha. You may think she is robotic, but I think she has fantastic, COP friendly programs that play up to her strengths. But so does Sasha (I am assuming LP will follow suit). Joannie is capable of all level 4's except on layback and FW (don't think ay lady other than Mao is capable of level 4 FW). Joannie has tougher transitions into her jumps and more packed choreo. Yes, Sasha is a much prettier skater with terrific lines and the ability to touch her ear with her leg. She probably will get higher PCS marks, but IMO Joannie deserves higher marks for skating skills, transitions and choreography. But again, IN MY OPINION. Neither are known for consistency, and I think more is forgiven when Sasha falls because she can rack up points in spins, spirals and PCS.

 

[janetfan]

I would also argue that what makes up a skater's career in the long run would be a consistency of success at the highest levels - ie GP, National, World and Olympic medals. One can never discount reputation when it comes to skating, despite the dismay this causes us in the peanut gallery. Espcially for skaters who dominate at the National level but fail to capture the top prize or even hitting the podium on the international level.

Speaking with international considerations in mind Mr Nicks has another trick up his sleeve.

He has applied to Canada for dual citizenship for Sasha. :yes:

He has informed all of the USA judges and asked them to give Sasha the same inflated scores Canadian skaters receive.

He figures the extra 20% should be enough to clinch the Gold for Sasha no matter how she skates.

That Mr Nicks is such a sly devil - is it any wonder Sasha always returns to him

 

[MKFSfan]

Interesting. What does a skater who can not do a proper lutz and leaves the attempt out? Would that save on points, if he found other ways to make up for it?

Not sure what you mean by this...do you mean by NOT attempting the lutz in the SP? Here is a comparision using Sasha:

3ltz/2t = 7.3
3f = 5.5
2a= 3.5
total = 16.3

Now, say she gets hit with a "e" call and gets a -2 GOE deduction, that base total (before GOE's on the other two jump passes are considered) for jumps becomes at least 14.3 points.

Say Sasha attempted:

3fl/2t = 6.8
3lp = 5
2ax = 3.5
total = 15.3

Without a risk for an edge call, her base increases by a point. So, IMO, Sasha would be smarter to go for this layout and hope to gain a couple points with +GOE.

I think it is worth trying for one 3lz in the LP even if you get dinged for an "e." It takes up an extra triple spot if you repeat two other triples, and as long as it is landed cleanly, can be equal to another toe loop or loop (I think deduction for a flutz is -1 or -2, depending upon how badly the judges think it is. The penalty is lesser this season since the judges do not know if the caller gives it a "e" or "!" any more).

 

[Tinymavy15]

She looks amazing, as I knew she would. I can't believe that it took some of us this long to figure out that she can win this thing by a mile.

So which is better - to fall on the lutz in the SP like Joannie just did - or to get a call on it?

They both come with a -3 off the GOE so they work out to be the same. You get an extra -1.00 taken off your total score for the fall. As far as your skating career? It's better to fall on a lutz than to continue to do a flutz

an edge call is -3? Wow. That is nasty.