The Worlds silver medalist came back strong with her diva personality on ice and delivered two rather clean programs to win this event. I enjoyed her SP, it was fun and entertaining, the ask fits her perfectly, her personality shines in this program. Some UR issues and weird PCS judging (as if it is something new for figure skating lol), but it was nevertheless a well-sold program.
Her FS is an experimental one where the music is not what she has been using before. It was an expressive and lyrical piece of music throughout. In order to make this kind of music captivating, the presentation and the choreography are crucial. Both of which need to be improved here. My impression of this FS is rather cold and blank, there is not a memorable moment in this program. So this is some work to be done. Rotation issues still remain, she was lucky that her 3T was called only < instead of <<, and her second 3Lo was called clean when it was <.
But overall it was a deserved victory, congratulations!
Her FS is an experimental one where the music is not what she has been using before. It was an expressive and lyrical piece of music throughout. In order to make this kind of music captivating, the presentation and the choreography are crucial. Both of which need to be improved here. My impression of this FS is rather cold and blank, there is not a memorable moment in this program. So this is some work to be done. Rotation issues still remain, she was lucky that her 3T was called only < instead of <<, and her second 3Lo was called clean when it was <.
But overall it was a deserved victory, congratulations!
2. Mariah Bell
Probably one of the surprises in the event. The young skater had a rough start in the SP, but that did not let her down, she returned triumphant in the FS by producing one of the cleaner skates that day. I particularly enjoyed her FS, which is set to the music from East of Eden. This music is easy to captivate attention and stir up excitement, and she presented the program so well and succeeded in making it an enjoyable one. I wish her all the best in her future competition!
3. Mai Mihara
Another surprise (well maybe not THAT big of a surprise) if this event. Mai has already won in Nebelhorn Trophy with two flawless programs, and she almost produced the same perfection here that won her the 3rd place. There is some polishing needed, but she will definitely continue to grow strong with her consistency. I can foresee a bright future for Mai, and I wish her all the best.
4. Gabrielle Daleman
Gabby is a multiple Queen, she is the Queen of abs, Queen of eyebrows, and Queen of 3T+3T. My goodness her 3T+3T is GROUNDBREAKING! If a skater has a key element of his/her own, this will be hers. Her image is a special one, she is absolutely athletic off ice, but she is able to give sass and be elegant on ice, as if it is a different person, which is a rare quality. Back to her programs, her jumping prowess in unquestionable, just needs to get the Lutz consistent. Her presentation has improved, there is more face and choreo in the programs. Someday her artistic ability will match her technical ability, and she will be a complete skater. I look forward to that day.
5. Gracie Gold
There are rumours about Gracie recently, or in fact since Boston earlier this year, about her motivation. Judging from her performance recently, I think she needs a break. Sometimes your body gets tired and out of control, or simply "does not feel right" after doing the same thing for so long. I think this is the problem for Gracie. Her programs this two seasons have been dull and uninteresting, the themes are the similar too. Tangos for the SP and ballets for the FS. Not only the audience us, she herself is probably bored by her programs and just can't get the fire and energy out to engage or commit to her programs.
I think that, one of the most important elements of making a perfect program, is the liking for the music of the skater. The skater must love the music to be able to connect well with the music and perform it best. This is not what I feel in Gracie's programs in recent years. Thus I really suggest that she skate to a piece that she truly enjoys to find back the joy of skating, she would not skate well in this state and she won't be able to perform well in the Olympic season. Nothing much to say about her performance, I hope she can take some rest and come back better next time.
I think that, one of the most important elements of making a perfect program, is the liking for the music of the skater. The skater must love the music to be able to connect well with the music and perform it best. This is not what I feel in Gracie's programs in recent years. Thus I really suggest that she skate to a piece that she truly enjoys to find back the joy of skating, she would not skate well in this state and she won't be able to perform well in the Olympic season. Nothing much to say about her performance, I hope she can take some rest and come back better next time.
6. Mao Asada
The Goddess is doing things in a way she referred to "Mao pace". Despite being troubled by her knee, she still managed to give two programs with unmatched class and quality. Mao is never famous for (or she is) her jumping inconsistency, but she is famous for her emotional commitment and exquisite choreography. Mao is one of the few skaters that is able to produce something new every time she skates to a new program. Her programs this season, especially her FS, are the most complex she has ever done. It is probably the most complex work Lori has ever done too. There is darkness, grace and passion, all displayed in one program. Her blade work and skating skills is unparalleled in the field today, yet it is somehow not justly reflected in the scoring.
Besides her competitive programs, her exhibition is also a jewel. This program resembles those in the 6.0 era. The footwork and the artistry is top-class quality. Just speechlessly beautiful, any words just don't do justice. I highly recommend everyone to watch it.
Her task now is, first, let the knee get well. Then, get the jumps back together. She usually starts slow so I look forward to her programs as the season advances!
Besides her competitive programs, her exhibition is also a jewel. This program resembles those in the 6.0 era. The footwork and the artistry is top-class quality. Just speechlessly beautiful, any words just don't do justice. I highly recommend everyone to watch it.
Her task now is, first, let the knee get well. Then, get the jumps back together. She usually starts slow so I look forward to her programs as the season advances!
The ladies seem to have issues with the jumps in the free, I remember that Ashley said that the ice was a little bit soft that day, hence the mistakes on the jumps. They seem to have the same issue which is slipping while take off and lost the rhythm. I hope this won't happen again, the ice quality should be monitored strictly to provide the best environment for skaters to perform. (Maybe they fixed this problem the next day thats why the men did so well in the free lol?) Thank you for reading, please leave a comment and tell us what you think!
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