The 3A is actually a huge advantage in the SP. In fact, even a fall on a 3A is worth as much as a decent 2A. At WTT last year, Liza was within fractions of Gracie with a 3A fall. It only becomes a liability if it starts affecting the rest of the program. Which, granted it did... but as LRK said, Liza didn't go for 3A at SC and the skate ended up being even worse.
Judging by Mishin's interviews, it seems like Liza's just going through a dip after the high of last season. She was traditionally not the greatest SP skater either.
If anything, I'm more confused why she chose Carmina Burana instead of I Put a Spell on You. At least with the latter, she can still sell the program/perform no matter how the jumps go. Carmina Burana relies so much on the energy/power generated from the elements; I thought she performed it as well as could be expected considering the jump errors, but it still is lacking (again, compare Bolero last year--even with the fall, the rest of her performance at WTT remained strong).
Judging by Mishin's interviews, it seems like Liza's just going through a dip after the high of last season. She was traditionally not the greatest SP skater either.
If anything, I'm more confused why she chose Carmina Burana instead of I Put a Spell on You. At least with the latter, she can still sell the program/perform no matter how the jumps go. Carmina Burana relies so much on the energy/power generated from the elements; I thought she performed it as well as could be expected considering the jump errors, but it still is lacking (again, compare Bolero last year--even with the fall, the rest of her performance at WTT remained strong).
I think she just didn't commit fully to the axel.

