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| 01 Apr 2008 11:56:13 am |
 Buttle Best in World Test – or Don’t Underestimate Your Oppo |
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Buttle Best in World Test – or Don’t Underestimate Your Opponent
© Robin Ritoss @ skatetoday.com
2006 Olympic bronze medalist. Jeffrey Buttle, of Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario, took the world by surprise on March 22, when the twenty-five-year-old captured the gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden.
“It doesn’t feel real yet,” exclaimed Buttle. “I was just happy with the way I skated. That’s how I have been training at home. When I went on the ice it felt just like home.”
It was the first men's gold for Canada since 1997 when Elvis Stojko took the crown.
“We (Canada) have been waiting patiently for it (the gold medal). It was definitely a second chance for me because I was in exactly the same position as last year. So this year what was different is that I was much more prepared. I had the intention to go out and skate my best, not worrying about what I don’t have and just enjoy myself,” Buttle explained.
The 2005 World Silver Medalist proved that ice skating is not all about quads.
“It’s a testimony that I’ve worked hard on everything, everything that is involved in figure skating, not just the jumps," said the Canadian in defense of his quadless title. "I was fortunate to skate a clean program today. I was training very hard to do that, not just on the jumps we also worked whole sessions on the spins and everything in between. And that is figure skating! Figure skating is everything, everything you do in those four-and-one-half minutes - it is not really about the jumps. I definitely feel I earned the title.”
Buttle exceeded his expectations by far.
“Obviously (I wanted) to improve (the results) from last season, I was in sixth place. This obviously exceeds my expectations and I’m very pleased with that.”
It was a rough season for the newly crowned champion when he failed to qualify for the Grand Prix Final and then lost his Canadian title.
“This season was obviously not all great. It started very rough; I did a lot of training and heavy lifting earlier in the season. So my body wasn’t really in the shape I would have liked for the earlier competitions, but then again, my focus was not on the earlier competitions. I was disappointed, but then I got over it. So I listened to my coaches and the most important thing was that I trust them. They carried me through, even on those really bad days.”
Jeffrey lost his Canadian title in January to youngster Patrick Chan who placed ninth in this event.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” as the saying goes and the skater proved he was stronger then ever.
"The most important thing was training and I came into this so well trained. I stepped on the ice and it didn’t matter that I skated last. I adapted to that. I’ve done it at home and I was ready,” the Canadian said confidently.
While the others (contenders) were busy holding press conferences Jeff quietly went on about business with little fuss.
Buttle, who started skating at the age of two, took command the minute he stepped on the ice and opened his short program with a high triple flip/triple toe and went on to nail his nemesis – the triple Axel.
His triple Lutz was solid and his spins were superb, but where the reigning Canadian silver medalist shined was is in his ability to encompass the music into the presentation of the program.
Skating to “Adios Nonino” by Astor Piazzolla the 2005 World silver medalist skated a brilliant program - which was highlighted by his smooth transitions and outstanding musicality. He gathered 82.10 points and entered the free skate in first place.
“We changed it before nationals and ever since then it has been going really well,” the Olympian said of returning back to last years programs. “So I made the right decision and this is just another clean program that I have been doing at the end of the season which is great.”
“I feel like I am in the same position as last year except that I am way more prepared and I am way more consistent so I am going to go out there tomorrow more positive (and) more confident then last year.”
The three-time Canadian champion (2005, 2006, 2007) who previously practiced ice dancing with his sister Meghan, highlighted his free program with a pillow-soft triple Axel/double toe/double loop then followed it up with a triple flip/triple toe and a second triple Axel.
Leading the pack after the short by 4.35 points the Four Continents silver medalist did Canada proud when he landed eight clean triple jumps. Buttle’s non-jumping elements were just as strong with four level four spins and two level three step sequences.
His choreography was stunning and execution superb but he was edged by Joubert on components by .58 points.
His emotionally packed program to the ‘Ararat” Soundtrack earned the Canadian 163.07 points. Buttle’s total equaled a personal best of 245.17 points.
The Canadian sat stunned in the Kiss and Cry as the scores were read.
“When I got off the ice I asked my coach if it was enough – that I meant for a medal, and he said yes, it would be enough, and I said, good for a medal. He said, no, it might be enough for a gold medal. I don’t know if I believed him, but I half believed him. It was just so surreal, when the marks came up I was just shocked.”
Buttle won both phases of the competition much to the dismay of his nearest competitor the 2007 World Champion - Brian Joubert.
The new World Champion refused to apologize about his lack of the quad.
"Absolutely not, ” Jeff exclaimed! “(On his quad) it is not as consistent as (Joubert’s), and certainly, it is not consistent (enough) to be in a competition.”
Jeff nixed Joubert’s complaints about his winning without a quad.
“I started skating because I watched Kurt Browning and Brian Orser. It was about the most memorable programs. You remember the programs, but not what elements they did. So I think that is what I am most passionate about when I skate. So now I went out there and left everything on the ice and had my heart on my sleeve.”
Joubert, who in a pre-event press conference earlier in the week, counted out the Canadian limiting his competition - to only two.
“I think it’s going to be very difficult, like every world championship, because we are three skaters who can win the world title – (2005, 2006 World Champion) Stéphane Lambiel, (2007 World Silver Medalist) Daisuke (Takahashi) and me,” he said when assessing the field of 46 men.
Joubert tumbled to sixth place in the short with 77.75 points. He fell on his triple Lutz and received a one-point deduction for vocal music in his short program to “All for You” by Sebastien Damiani. The French Federation protested the deduction but failed to prevail.
“It was the first time I tried this ice and I think it’s a lot better then the practice rink,” Joubert explained. “Of course I am disappointed that I fell on my Lutz. The timing was off and I didn’t have my balance, but the audience was great and I had a lot of fun.”
“I don’t understand this,” the Frenchman said mystified about the vocal deduction. “I had the same music the whole season and I never got a deduction.”
The European bronze medalist skated with confidence in his “Metallica” free skate accumulating 153.47 points.
Joubert, who rallied from sixth place after the short program, also gave a superior skate jumping his way to a silver medal with an event total of 231.22 points.
“I changed it (his program) after I saw how the other’s did and I decided not to take a lot of risks and not do the quad Salchow. (I) just wanted to skate clean.”
However, what may have cost the Frenchman his second world title may not have been a technical error or use of what was called vocal music - but his over-confidence in his ability to assess the merits of his competitors.
“Never count out any competition,” a wise man once said. Yet the twenty-three year old Frenchman, from Poitiers, miscalculated the strength of Buttle despite his own 4.35 point deficit.
Joubert skated aggressively, but watered down the content of his three quad planned free program. He performed only one quad as in his mindset his only rivals had error-prone skates.
Even American Johnny Weir, who currently sat first overall, two-footed and received a downgrade on his solo quad jump.
Buttle was yet to skate but had no quad planned.
Joubert got the audience going as he reeled off an opening quad toe (with ease) then landed seven additional triple jumps. His level three steps were powerful and were well choreographed to the music.
The Skate Canada Champion lost valuable points when he took off from the wrong edge on his two triple flips and then three spins were called level two and one level three.
Joubert fought till the end and seemed fully recovered from the virus which removed him from the Grand Prix earlier this season.
“After the free skating I was so happy because I did a clean program. I had a good sense about this program and I made some changes after Europeans and I have worked harder to make it better. It was good to get the component scores.”
Joubert was pleased with his skate kissing the ice even though he was not sure it was enough to win. However, in the end the Frenchman came up short by 13.95 points.
“If I win that will be great and if I end up second that will be okay as well,” Joubert said shortly after his performance. The competition was great, the audience was great and I will remember this all my life.”
The French National Champion seemed angry when he spoke to the media after seeing Buttle’s scores.
“Right after the results I was disappointed and I am still disappointed. Jeffrey did a perfect program but he didn’t even try a quad, and I am still upset about that," Joubert told the press. "The new judging system makes it better to skate simple and clean then to try something more difficult. Look at Lambiel and Takahashi, they both tried two quads and for figure skating there must be higher points for quads.”
In a post event press conference Brian was reminded of the statement he made earlier in the week about his fellow competitors. He was asked what he thought about being beaten by Buttle.
Joubert refused to answer the question in English and spoke through an interpreter.
“When I came here and saw the practices, I would not have bet on Jeffrey, but a competition is a competition.”
The unpredictable Johnny Weir, of Lyndhurst, New Jersey, fought against nerves to bring back the only medal for the USA.
With the absence of Grand Prix Bronze Medalist Evan Lysacek, America’s hopes for next seasons Olympic Qualifier sat firmly on Weir’s shoulders.
Weir stood up to the pressure to finish third with an event total of 221.84 points.
Skating to “Yunona” and “Avos” by Alexei Rybnikov the three-time American Champion (2004, 2005 and 2006) delivered a gorgeous triple Lutz/ triple toe and a triple Axel, but took off on the wrong edge on his next element – the triple flip.
His balletic level three step sequences were a highlight as were his two level four spins.
“I feel fantastic. I’m so happy with my performance today,” Weir said with excitement. “I hope I can continue to feel this comfortable on the ice in the long program.”
Johnny skipped Four Continents to focus on Worlds.
“(The) U.S. Nationals were so difficult emotionally and physically for me that I decided it would be better to stay home and rest and really prepare well for the World Championships. So far I think it was the right decision and that it has paid off.”
Weir started skating at the age of 12 after being ispired by the Olympic performance of 1994 Olympic Champion Oksana Baiul.
He landed his first triple jump within a year and made it to the Junior Olympics in both freestyle and pairs (with Jodi Rudden) on the juvenile level in his first year of skating.
The American won the Junior World Title in 2001 - the first time he participated in the event.
After a disappointing 2006-2007 season Johnny left long-time coach Priscilla Hill and headed to the Olympic Coach of Baiul - Galina Zmievskaya and her assistant Olympic Champion Viktor Petrenko.
The 24 year-old known most for his flamboyant style and unusual remarks sat second after the short with 80.79 points.
While Jeremy Abbott and Stephen Carriere skated strong in their first appearance at the World Championships, Americans needed a medal to capture the magical 13 needed to qualify three skaters for Worlds next season.
“Of course I felt pressure,” Weir stated. “But I tried not to think much about expectations, because it is an individual sport and I need to focus on what I am doing. Of course I try to support my team and hope that my country can benefit from what I am doing.”
Weir looked tentative during his performance to “Love is War” by Yoav Goren which earned him 141.05 points. Would nerves get the best of him, I wondered.
“I could have peed myself, really," Weir said chuckling about his performance. I was so nervous and so scared and I was really shaky. You could see it in my performance. I was not performing like I usually would do, but (I) was focused on every element. My trainers said to me: “You do it every day, just believe in yourself.” In the end it comes down to what you are doing by yourself in the arena.”
He opened with a quad toe attempt which was downgraded and landed on two feet earning a mere 1.57 points.
“It is a natural progression, it is a strong competition and you have to put your cards on the table.”
However, the Cup of China Champion fought for every landing on seven additional triple jumps. Johnny managed to stay upright but received an edge call on his final jump – the triple flip and only completed two combinations.
“I was a little tired near the end and I had so much nervous energy, Weir explained. When I was going into my starting position my legs were still shaking. Two years ago, I definitely would have fallen apart. I tried to be as spectacular as possible.”
His footwork was elegant and his spins were well-done, but the American slipped one spot to third after placing fifth in the free skate.
“I’m so excited. It was not my strongest performance, but I am just proud for myself and for my coaches and I am proud to bring back the only medal for the USA," Weir stated.
When asked to comment about Buttle winning the event without a quad Johnny stated, “I think it’s a very strong statement that this sport is not defined by just one jump or one element. It’s a whole combination, a package. It shows that a well-rounded skater who can do all elements well needs to be rewarded.”
2008 Four Continents Champion Daisuke Takahashi was at the top of his game when the Japanese delivered two stellar performances in Korea in February. The record breaking performances totaling 264.41 points were the highest score ever during an ISU event.
The twenty-two-year-old college student at Kansai University entered the event as the favorite but was unable to recapture what he had in Korea and finished the event in a disappointing fourth spot with 220.11 points.
His hip-hop version of “Swan Lake” had not failed him all season but on this day it was rated number three after Daisuke nearly fell on his triple Axel.
The triple flip/triple toe combination was steady as was his final jump – the triple Lutz.
His level four change foot sit spin and his combination spin were low, fast, and well-centered. He received only level three on his flying sit spin rather than the usual level four.
Utilizing every bit of energy in his 165 cm body the Japanese jumped, spun and danced on the ice earning him 60.40 points.
“The performance was not bad, but I missed the Axel,” the Japanese said with disappointment. “I don’t know what happened, but I was nervous today.
The World Silver Medalist delivered a lyrical free skate to “Romeo and Juliet” by Peter I. Tchaikovsky.
The 2002 Junior World Champion slipped off the podium falling one spot ending the event in fourth place with a overall score of 220.11 points. He nailed his opening quad toe but then fell on what was suppose to be a quad toe combination. He stumbled on a second triple Axel and placed a hand on the ice then turned out of his triple loop.
The Japanese managed four clean triples before making his biggest error when he tried to improvise adding a double toe to his final triple Lutz declaring it an illegal element as it was a fourth combination attempt and earned him zero points.
“It was not good,” the Japanese said sadly. “I missed two jumps, and my skate was not that good. I don’t know what happened. I think I was too nervous.”
Ironically, Daisuke earned his first Japanese title in 2005 when compatriot Nobunari Oda made the same mistake. Today it cost him the bronze medal.
Two-time World Champion (2005. 2006) Stephane Lambiel hoped to recapture his title but his dream was not realized after the Swiss placed fifth in the short and seventh in the free skate with an event total of 217.88 points.
The twenty-two-year-old who trains in Lausanne (low season) and Geneva (high season) under the tutelage of Peter Grutter gathered 79.12 points for his passionate program to Carne Cruda by Fernando Egozcue.
The Grand Prix Champion had a very low landing on his triple Axel then under-rotated the back end of a quad toe/triple toe combination.
"(I) don’t know what happened,” the Swiss stated. “Actually we didn’t skate a lot in the main arena and I’m not used to the ice, at home it is completely different. But I think it was a good try since I didn’t have the possibility to do (the) triple on the warm up because I had a problem with the take off.”
In true Swiss form he highlighted his program with stellar level four spins, a superb triple Lutz, and smooth level three steps.
“I didn’t feel pressure, more like the right motivation to do my best and I am quite satisfied with what I did today and I hope I will do well tomorrow,” the former World Champion told the press.
He received a huge ovation as he took to the ice for his four-and-one-half minute program skated to “Poeta” (Flamenco) by Vicente Amigo.
Lambiel unraveled in his free program which was no picnic for Lambiel as he struggled throughout.
He stepped out of his opening triple Axel then put a hand down on the quad toe and two-footed his triple loop.
His problems continued later in the program when he stepped out and received a downgrade on his second quad attempt and put his hand down on his final jump - a triple flip.
“I have no explanation,” Lambiel stated. “I did not feel pressure from anyone, but myself. All the pressure came from me.”
The only Swiss man to have won a world title in the almost sixty years ( last was Hans Gerschwiller in 1947) gathered a disappointing 138.76 points for his free skate and ended the event in fifth placel.
Kevin Van Der Perren rallied placing third in the free skate with 145.78 points after a disappointing short program where he placed ninth.
“I’m satisfied, because I’m top ten and that’s what I wanted to be,” stated Van Der Perren.
The Belgian Champion has been struggling with a hip injury this season and when asked how it affected his performance today Kevin stated, “It was fine when I started but in the sit spin I was afraid I won’t get up. I tried three times to get up and it was just blocked."
When asked about omitting the quad Van Der Perren explained, “I felt more confident with the triple flip. If you do a quad it has (to be) a quad toe loop/ triple toe loop, otherwise you’re better off with a triple flip/ triple toe. It’s the same points (as a quad-double).”
Van Der Perren rocked the house with his awesome performance in his brand new free program where the twenty-five-year-old executed eight clean triple jumps and earned the second highest technical score of the day.
“Finally I did what I wanted to do all season,” Kevin said with relief. The quad didn’t work today so I didn’t try it, and if I fell on my hip it would be over. I’d have to withdraw.”
“I created it (the new program) last week, in two hours by myself. I found out I will need surgery, so I thought this might be my last chance to skate. I wanted to skate the program I want, to the music I like, the levels were not that important. My hip is doing better then yesterday, but I missed the spin, that kills me.”
The Belgian was solid on his opening triple Axel/double toe combination and did equally as well on his second triple Axel.
The highlight of the program was a huge triple flip/triple toe/triple loop combination which earned a +1.00 GOE.
Three of his spins and straight line steps earned level three while his circular steps and combination sit spin were called level one. He completed the event in sixth overall with an event total of 216.02 points.
Sergei Voronov jumped from fifteenth to seventh overall after the Russian delivered a clean free skate rated fourth best of the day. He delivered a quad and seven clean triples to gather an event total of 209.93 points.
“I’m not too euphoric because I got 144 points and I didn’t beat my season best (of 145.87). If I had done that I would have been euphoric. It was hard to skate today physically, and I feel I could have skated better for the components. But overall I am pleased, because I wanted to do a clean program at the end of the season and I did that.”
The twenty-year-old from St. Petersburg who is coached by 1994 Olympic Champion Alexei Urmanov, secured two spots for Russia, at next years World Championships - to be held in Los Angeles next March.
2006 Junior World Champion Takihiko Kozuka delivered three spots for next years World Championships for his homeland of Japan. The nineteen-year-old executed two solid skates which placed him eighth overall in a debut worth 205.15 points.
“It’s not easy,” he said of his first appearance at Worlds. I learned a lot from this experience.”
Seventeen-year-old Patrick Chan also rose to the occasion with a ninth place event total of 203.55 points. He placed an amazing seventh place in the short and eleventh in the free skate.
“It is pretty much the same thing every competition,” stated the seventeen-year-old. "Trust your training and if you work hard before then you should be okay, and just enjoy it, that is why we do the sport, because we enjoy it.”
His strong performance when combined with Buttles’s captured an additional spot, for Canada, for next years World Championships.
“I am very pleased with how I skated and how I put it in (referring to his second triple Axel),” said Chan. “(It is) the first time at a competition that I decided to do it, maybe not landed but at least I tried it.”
American Stephen Carriere also helped the home team bring home the third spot for the USA. The 2007 Junior World Champion capped off a stellar season with his tenth place finish with an event total of 201.69 points.
“I’m proud of myself,” Stephen stated. ‘Pushing against what happens, like the fall on my back. It was weird; I"ve never fell on the triple Lutz.”
Teammate Jeremy Abbott also did America proud with a debut worth 197.26 points. Abbott finished eleventh after mastering the quad in both his short program and free skate.
“I had trouble focusing from the beginning, and it really took a lot my willpower to just do the quad,” said Abbott of his free skate. And I was fighting, even though it might not look like it for everything. It was a little tough for me, it was not quite what I wanted but it was my first World Championship and I did the quad in both programs which I had yet to do this season.” |
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Category : 2008 World Championships
| By : Robin Ritoss |
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| 27 Mar 2008 11:51:44 am |
| Asada one Step Above |
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Asada one Step Above
by Robin Ritoss @ Skatetoday.com
Japanese phenum Mao Asada beamed as she climbed to the top of the podium at the World Figure Skating Championships for the very first time.
The now seventeen-year-old from Nagoya, Japan, rose to the occasion despite sitting second after the short. The Japanese was eclipsed in the short by Italy’s Carolina Kostner who led the fifty-three woman field overnight.
Asada, who burst on the World scene in 2006 when she slid past 2006 Olympic favorite, Irina Slutskaya, and captured the Grand Prix title.
The then fifteen-year-old caused uproar when an exception was not made to allow the under-age champion to participate at the Olympic Winter Games in Turin.
Skating to "Fantasia for Violin and Orchestra" by Jean-Claude Petit she gathered second place marks of 64.14 points.
The 2007 World Silver Medalist opened her short program with a light and airy triple flip/triple loop earning a +1.57 GOE.
She followed it with a triple Lutz which took off from the wrong edge earning severe penalties from the judges.
The Japanese Champion managed to regain her form and executed a gorgeous double Axel and a lovely level three straight line step sequence.
“I felt really concentrated when I skated,” stated the Japanese. “But I felt that the performance was really good. I am very glad about the scores and that I did a season best program, but now, I just need to focus on the free program tomorrow.”
The teen seemed mystified when her spiral step sequence which was usually level four – was now only rated a level one. She received level two for the layback and combination spins.
“I did not know and we will try to work on it after we have received the judge’s details,” Asada commented on the low levels. “I haven’t seen my video yet so I haven’t made an analysis, but I will sit down and watch it to adjust something for tomorrow.
"I didn’t feel any impact from being here without my coach because coaches from the federation checked on my levels.”
Asada left Lake Arrowhead and Coach Rafael Artunian after Japanese Nationals. She has been training in Japan without a coach ever since and refused to comment here on the situation.
It was no surprise that Asada had the edge on components as her skating skills, interpretation and choreography were outstanding.
The World Silver Medalist delivered a musical free program to “Fantaisie Impromptu” by Frederic Chopin and placed second in the free skate with 121.46 points.
Asada shocked the audience when she belly-flopped on her opening triple Axel then rose to land five clean triple jumps.
“I don’t know what happened, I was surprised myself,” Mao stated shrugging her shoulders. “My heart stopped! But I did not hurt myself,” she added.
The Grand Prix Silver Medalist took off from the wrong edge once again on the triple Lutz and doubled the back-end of a planned triple flip/triple loop combination.
Asada received a level one for her spiral step sequence but level three and four for her spins and footwork.
The seventeen-year-old exhibited the grace of ballerina as she pranced about the ice with amazing grace.
Despite placing second in the short program and second in the long program it was those performances that took gold. She captured the gold medal – her first at a World Championship with an event total of 185.56 points.
“I am very happy to have won today after winning the silver medal in Tokyo last year.”
Italian Carolina Kostner opened her elegant “Riders of the Storm” short program with blazing speed into a huge triple flip/ triple toe combination. She turned out of her next jump – a triple Lutz.
The 2005 World Bronze Medalist executed two level three spins but her layback was judged only a level two. The Italian sailed across the ice on her level four spiral and intricate level three straight-line steps - as if she was floating on top of the ice.
“I am very happy about my personal best.” Kostner stated with excitement. “I have tried the whole season to top my last season’s best. I feel so honored to be in this position (in first place after the short). But I tell myself that there is always a first time, so I just try to stay calm and enjoy skating.”
The Turin based Kostner, comes by her athletic prowess genetically as she is a cousin and godchild to the famous Italian skier Isolde Kostner who Carolina says inspires her. The twenty-one-year-old college student led Asada after the short by 0.18 points.
“I felt very good here, the crowd was great. I have fond memories of my first Europeans in Sweden, when I had a great time (in Malmo 2003 where she finished fourth) and it all came back to me when I skated today.”
Kostner slipped behind Asada in the free skate when she had a series of botched landings. She finished second overall with 184.68 points.
Kostner who won the first ever European Ladies title for Italy in 2007, excited the crowd when she flew across the ice with a huge triple flip/triple toe loop/double loop but then put a hand down on the triple Lutz and stepped out on the triple flip.
The 2005 World Bronze Medalist seemed to lose confidence and struggled with the landings on her jumps.
“I was feeling good. I was a bit uncertain on some landings, as it was the first time for me to have such a responsibility,” the European Champion stated. “I managed to get to the end quite well, although I am disappointed about my mistakes, too.
The three-time Italian Champion delivered solid spins and fawn-like movements on her spiral step sequence (level four) and level three straight line steps.
Kostner spoke of her cut finger, “I cut myself rather often, also in practice. It is actually surprising if I don’t cut myself.”
The Grand Prix bronze medalist gathered a personal best score of 120.40 points enroot to the silver medal with an event total of 184.68 points.
“I am happy how I spent the week here, it was quiet and I had much fun.”
Seventeen-year-old Yu-Na Kim of Korea was bill boarded as a challenge for Asada. However, the Grand Prix Gold Medalist had been side-lined this winter with a hip/back injury.
Pulling from The Four Continents Championships in her home country last month the teen has been rehabilitating herself back in Korea.
When Canadian coach Brian Orser arrived in Korea two weeks before the Championships he found his protégé untrained and out-of-shape.
Speculation rose that the Korean could not contend for a medal at these World Championships.
After opening with a splendid triple flip/triple loop combination during her short program to “Die Fiedermaus”, Kim then fell on her triple Lutz.
She recovered quickly with a double Axel from an Ina Bauer entrance. Her level two straight-line steps were neatly choreographed to the nuances of the music.
She racked up 59.85 points for her short program and enters the free program in fifth place.
"I felt pain from my earlier injury when I did the triple-triple combination and then tried to do the Lutz," Kim told the media. "That is why I fell.”
Kim, who has not lost an event all season, seemed surprised when she saw the levels of her none jumping elements as her spiral was also called level one.
“I have fallen in previous competitions so I do not think it was hard to recover, and I was not so nervous. I am not happy about the scores and I am unsatisfied because of the fall."
Seventeen-year-old Kim settled for her second bronze medal in the final event of the season - winning the free skate but placing third overall with 183.23 points.
Skating to the “Miss Saigon” soundtrack the youngster sailed across the ice on a huge triple flip/triple toe combination earning a +1.86 GOE for the feather-light element.
The first Korean skater to win an ISU Championship (2006 World Junior Championship), gave a strong performance landing five triples in all. She singled a sixth planned triple Lutz and struggled with the landing on the Salchow.
“I was worried about the Lutz before the competition,” Kim told the media. “But I cannot really explain what happened.”
“Some jumps were not clean, and I felt tired at the end of the program.” the Korean explained.
The Korean had the edge as her program was packed with difficulty. She received level four on all elements with the exception of the combination spin and her straight line steps - which were deemed level three.
“I admit my performance was not perfect and that my condition was not one-hundred percent.”
Kim floated to the top in the free skate with 123.38 points but was too far back to catch the leaders.
“I am quite pleased with my score,” Kim said smiling. It was not a bad program and I’m glad I could come back (from fifth place).”
Yukari Nakano of Japan held third spot overnight but dropped to fourth when her opening triple Axel was declared under-rotated.
The twenty-two-year-old from Tokyo, opened her lovely short program to “Fantasie Impromptu” with a triple flip/double toe combination then followed with a steady triple Lutz and a nice double Axel.
She received level four on her spiral step sequence and flying camel spin, but only managed level three on her layback spin. Her straight line steps were called level two. She enters the free skate with 61.10 points.
“I did everything I can do,” Yukari told the press. This is the best I can give. But the most important is still to come – the free skating tomorrow.”
The geisha doll-faced Nakano is best known for being only the third woman to land a triple Axel in competition at Skate America in 2002. She finished fifth at the World Championships last season.
Yukari is a strong jumper but suffers from a very distracting leg wrap which is clearly evident on all jumps with the exception of the Axel.
”There was a long period between Nationals and Worlds. I didn’t have any competitions for three months. I used this time to review every element and to work hard on my programs. That gave me a good result today,” she added.
Her free program skated to "Capriccio Espagnol" by Nickolai Rimski-Korsakov drew loud applause and gasps when she landed the much acclaimed opening triple Axel. It looked good to me but the technical panel called it under-rotated.
Her program included the Axel followed by a triple flip/double toe combination, a triple Lutz, two triple Salchows one in combination with a double toe and a triple toe which was in combination with a double toe and double loop.
Her only error I could see was an under-rotated triple flip.
Her other elements were just as strong receiving level three on three spins and on her circular step sequence. Her spiral step sequence and combination spin were called level four.
Her free skate racked up a personal best score of 116.30 points. She flew past her personal best score by 4.44 points and ended the event with a total of 177.40 points.
“I don’t care about the placement,” Yukari told the press. “I’m just very pleased that I was able to do everything I wanted to do tonight.”
Canadian Champion Joannie Rochette had her goal set on top five. She achieved her goal after placing sixth in the short but fifth in the free skate.
The Four Continents silver medalist reeled off a superb double Axel but doubled the back-end of a planned triple flip/triple toe combination.
She stepped out on the triple Lutz but had high levels on her non-jumping elements. Her spiral step sequence and flying sit spin were declared level four - while the rest received level three. She accrued 59.53 points.
“I am satisfied, although I planned to do the triple flip/triple toe combination. It was not good in the warm-up, and the flip was not that solid either, so it was the better strategy today,” Rochette stated.
Rochette explained earlier this season, that it is quite difficult for her to master the triple flip/triple toe because she is older and now has to go back to the basics and relearn the technique in order to be successful on the demanding combination.
During an early Sunday morning in January, Joannie Rochette, proved she was still the queen of Canadian ice. It was the fourth Canadian crown for the twenty-two-year-old who trains at Saint –Leonard CPA in Quebec.
During her free program Joannie put her hand down on the landing of her opening triple Lutz/ double toe and later popped a planned triple loop into a single.
She also stepped out on her double Axel + double Axel sequence however, the four-time Canadian Champion managed to reel off a nice triple Lutz, a triple Salchow, and a triple toe + triple Salchow sequence.
Her spins were strong - all level four and she delivered footwork with great flow. The Four Continents silver medalist received an event total of 174.12 points.
“The first half of the program was a little cautious,” claimed the Canadian. “The loop – I felt this jump very good this year. I think I rushed it, I was overexcited to do it, but I thought if I calm down it’s still possible to make the top five.”
Sarah Meier of Switzerland delivered two strong skates and ended the competition in sixth place with an event total of 171.88 points.
The twenty-three-year-old skated a gentle program to the “Patch Adams” soundtrack by various artists.
Her opening triple Lutz/double toe was solid as was her double Axel, She was penalized for a wrong edge take-off on her triple flip earlier this season, and has now replaced the jump with a triple Salchow – which was well executed.
Her level four spiral was steady as was her level three upright spin, yet her other elements were called level two.
The twenty-three year old skated to selections by Tokuhide Nimi, but singled the third jump of a planned triple Lutz/double toe/double loop combination.
The NHK silver medalist then executed a triple flip/double toe but the triple flip took off from the wrong edge.
Her two triple Salchows were well-done - one of which was in combination with a double toe.
The Swiss doubled her second Lutz but then nailed a triple toe and a double Axel. In typical Swiss fashion her spins were good and were rewarded by the judges.
Her tender and gentle performance rendered the European silver medalist 112.39 points placing her sixth in the free program.
“I am satisfied with my program today,” Meier stated. “Not everything was perfect, but I had a very good feeling throughout the program and so much energy. I am very happy to finish the season like this, as I improved from competition to competition.”
The top American here, Kimmie Meissner, finished seventh overall with 149.74 points.
The 2006 World Champion delivered uneven programs finishing ninth in the short with 57.25 points and twelfth in the long program.
Meissner has struggled this season with sub-par performances which prompted the American to leave long time Coach Pam Gregory.
In January, the eighteen-year-old flew south and is now training with Coach Richard Callaghan and World Champion Todd Eldredge.
Callaghan who is known as a technical coach has been working with the 2007 U.S. Champion on her jump technique while Eldredge works with her on spins and confidence.
The American looked confident the minute she stepped on the ice and began skating to "The Feeling Begins" by Peter Gabriel.
The eighteen-year-old delivered a much-improved level four opening spiral step sequence and followed with a strong triple Lutz/double toe.
She had trouble on the triple flip with a take-off from the wrong edge, but then recouped with a well-centered flying sit spin (level three).
Meissner’s other elements were called level two.
Meissner tumbled to twelfth place in the free skate with 92.49 points. Her struggles continued as she took off from the wrong edge on her opening triple flip/triple toe combination which also suffered from a downgrade on the triple toe.
She received two additional downgrades and fell on the triple Lutz and a triple Salchow.
The American did manage a nice triple Lutz/double toe combination, double Axel, triple loop and a double Axel/double toe combination.
Meissner looked at the performance positively telling the media, “I started better than I have done all year, so I’m kind of happy with that, but it wasn’t perfect I still fell and I can do it better.”
American Beatrisa Liang finished the event in tenth place after placing tenth in the short and thirteenth in free skate - earning an event total of 145.29 points.
“The whole thing was an amazing experience and I really enjoyed myself here. I guess in competitions like this (I need to) take my time and just enjoy every step of my program.”
American bronze medalist, Ashley Wagner, showed her inexperience when she finished in sixteenth after placing eleventh in the short program but unraveled in her free skate placing fifteenth.
“I think this is a mixture of me being overly excited and just ready to get out there and than not really timing myself and let myself breathe, Ashley explained. “I’m not going to blame my skate on anything else it’s all on me, so it’s just to try hard next year, back in focus and do good.”
Reigning World Champion Miki Ando gave a cautious performance failing to attempt a triple/triple combination.
The twenty-year-old placed eighth in the short after a poor landing on a triple Lutz and wobbling on a flying sit spin.
The Japanese pulled from the event in the free skate after putting a hand down on a triple Lutz and fallong on a triple Salchow.
Tears fell as the Four Continents bronze medalist skated over to the referee. She then returned and bowed to the audience after withdrawing from the event.
In a post event bulletin it was announced that the Japanese silver medalist suffered an injury during an early morning practice prior to the event. She suffers from a muscle strain and partial rupture on her left leg.
“I had an injury on my muscles, before the morning practice (when) I was warming up, I was pressing,” Ando explained. “I just can’t feel my muscle, but I decided to continue with the competition, because this is the Worlds and it is important for me. Even if I don’t win the gold it is important for me to try.
I prepared very well, and the jumps were getting better and better, I had a cramp on my legs so the coach (Nikolai Morozov) said that I should withdraw, but I really wanted to be in the competition anyway.”
Mira Leung, of Canada, finished fourteenth.
“I’m disappointed in my self but I’m glad I came back. I’m not really disappointed with the toe, even though I fell, but the rest of it was good. I think I just got ahead of myself (on the fall). I will go home and catch up on my school and get ready for next season.” |
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Category : 2008 World Championships
| By : Robin Ritoss |
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| 26 Mar 2008 11:33:56 am |
| Delobel and Schoenfelder Deliver |
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Delobel and Schoenfelder Deliver
© Robin Ritoss @ Skatetoday.com
It was a long time coming for the six-time French National Champions, Isabelle Delobel and Olivier Schoenfelder who stepped up to claim the Gold Medal at the World Figure Skating Championships.
It was the first medal at worlds of any color for the 2007 European Champions - who competed at this event for the eleventh time.
The dancers from Lyon, France, were able to hold the top spot overall despite youngsters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, of Canada, edging out the French in the free dance with a season’s best dance.
Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitski, of Russia, who entered the free dance in second place, dropped behind the Canadians overall taking home the bronze medal.
Delobel and Schoenfelder were 2008 European silver medalists behind Russian National Champions Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, of Russia. Domnina and Shabalin withdrew from this event as a result of a meniscus injury Max sustained earlier this season.
With the withdrawal of the Russians, many thought that Americans Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto would challenge Delobel and Schoenfelder for the top spot.
However, after an uncharacteristic fall in the Argentine Tango the Americans slid out of contention and were unable to regain their momentum placing fourth in the event.
Skating a to the Music “ Replique” by Djal (Breton Gavotte – French Country Dance) representant of the French West Coast – Brittany region, Isabelle and Olivier told a story of young love.
“The man I play wants to marry Isabelle, but she doesn’t agree right away. She first wants to test the man and we dance together. At the end of the dance, she agrees to marry him,” Schoenfelder explained earlier this season.
The Grand Prix Final bronze medalists opened with a intricate level four non-touching-midline-twizzle sequence which appeared a bit slow but followed with a strong level four midline-step-sequence and then highlighted their dance with an outstanding level four straight-line lift where Olivier lifts Isabelle with the assistance of a purple scarf.
“Among our international competitions it was one of the best performances indeed,” Delobel told the media. “We have to stay concentrated, and we can’t afford any mistakes (in the free dance). We are leading now, but the others still can catch up.”
Their circular steps and final rotational spin were outstanding and earnt high GOE’s from the judges. They collected 67.25 points for their country/folk dance and entered the free dance with a four point lead.
“We didn’t really think about being ahead,” Olivier added. “It will be the same tomorrow.”
The duo who are not a couple off the ice, teamed up in 1990. They currently train 22 hours a week during competition season in Lyon, France under the instruction of Muriel Zazoui and Romain Haguenauer. Schoenfelder is married and has a son Gabriel who was born in October 2006.
The French displayed outstanding lifts which were the highlight of their free dance set to the music from “The Piano” soundtrack by Michael Nyman.
“It’s a program with many emotions for us. We made a few mistakes, but we are really happy,” Delobel said with relief. “This is our first medal at worlds and we won the gold, it’s incredible. It was a very emotional performance, and later we felt a lot of stress waiting for the result.”
Receiving level four on all elements except for the dance spin, the dancers used sign language to communicate the love between a deaf woman and a hearing man. They maintained speed and flow throughout their intricate steps. The overnight leaders maintained first place overall with an event total of 212.94 points.
“We didn’t win the free at Europeans, so we changed our program a bit. I think it worked well,” Olivier added.
“We really gave our best. We had much pressure, so it was not easy, but I think we performed well,” Delobel explained. It was the last of the season and maybe the best one. We are happy now."
Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir entered the original dance in second place, but the duo slipped to third in the original dance and entered the free dance in third place.
Their Russian folk dance set to the music “Dark Eyes”, opened with a strong level four combination spin, curve lift and circular steps.
The duo then ran into problems on the non-touching-mid-line twizzle sequence when Tessa performed one less rotation then Scott. The error cost them valuable points dropping their level from four to three. They gathered 64.81points for their original dance and entered the free dance in third place.
“It was a good skate,” Scott said emphatically. “We tried to go out there and feel the program and really go after it and we did that so we are happy and looking forward till tomorrow.
Exquisitely choreographed by Coach Igor Shpilband the program was smooth and the duo flowed effortless from element-to-element. Their speed, power, and connection on the ice was breathtaking.
Moir added, “We are not concerned about placement right now, we just want to skate our programs well.”
The 2006 Junior World Champions could not take a step wrong in their mesmerizing performance to “Umbrellas of Cherbourg” by Michel Legrand. The intensity and connection between these youngsters when they skate is inspiring.
“What a great week for us,” Moir said excitedly. “What a building block for the next two years to come, for Vancouver. We have to tribute that to our training, we trained really hard and our coaches had us ready. Every circumstance was great. We are lucky to have each other, see each other every day and love what we are doing.”
Delivering dizzying-fast twizzles, outstanding lifts, and a very close diagonal step sequence the Canadians clearly out-paced the rest of the field in the free dance with 105.28 points and ended the event in second place with an event total of 208.80 points.
When asked to explain the free dance, Moir stated, “We are the characters like in the movie. We display young love. Then he has to leave for the military.”
The Russian Silver Medalists Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitsky delivered a powerful Russian Gypsy Folk Dance to “Two Guitars” by Paul Mauriat earning a point total of 65.99 points.
Jana and Sergei skated with drama and expression. They highlighted their all level four program with outstanding lifts and rapid spins earning positive GOE’s on all elements.
“We did all we could do at the moment,” Jana explained about being third in the compulsory. “We think we did good and as you can see on the screen, the results. It felt very good, and we are very excited and happy. We felt a lot of responsibility and were very focused (in the od), but when you look at the scores, we apparently did all elements clean and showed the character of the dance.”
The Russian dancers teamed up in October 2001. Novitski skated in singles but turned to ice dancing because it didn’t require jumping. Khokhlova skated in Moscow children’s’ ice ballet until she was thirteen-years-old but then turned to pairs skating before becoming an ice dancer.
The Moscovites started out strong in their free dance, with a powerful presentation to “A Night on Bald Mountain” and “In the Hall of the Mountain King” but the dance soon became frenzied and Novitski stumbled on his circular steps.
The duo slipped to third place with an event total of 203.26 points after placing fifth in the free dance with 99.29 points.
“ Right now I don’t have any emotions. We had hoped to fight for a medal, but it was more like a dream,” Jana stated after their free dance. “When it yesterday became realistic with the silver, it pushed us, and we really wanted to repeat the success. It was enough for the bronze, which is great. But right now I still don’t fully understand it. There were a few small errors, but I don’t think they were so serious.”
Americans Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto pulled up to fourth place overall after sustaining a fall in their fifth place compulsory dance, a fourth place original dance worth 64.69 points, and a third-place free dance which earned 103.29 points.
Their all level four program to “Cotton Eyed Joe”, “Country Waltz” and “Appalachian Hoedown” was packed with difficulty and earned the duo the second highest presentation score of the evening.
Donning new costumes the Olympic silver medalists executed solid steps and superb twizzles. Their all level four program was fast, energetic and entertaining.
“I’m very relieved,” Belbin shared. “I think tomorrow will be even better than today. I just lost a little confidence in myself from the compulsory dance, so I was very happy this was without flaws so that I reassure myself that I’m trained and ready to do this competition.”
The Grand Prix silver medalists narrowly missed the podium by 0.02 points with their powerful free dance to “Selections by Chopin”. They skated with abandon – giving it all that they could. Their fate was sealed when an error occurred on their final rotational lift.
“This competition was a mind game for us,” shared Belbin. “It was good for (us) to get out a good performance and to overcome this one,” she added.
Despite the second highest element score the Americans were unable to catch the Russians and finished the event in fourth place with 203.00 points.
“It’s been an interesting week. I’m not going to lie,” Agosto stated with disappointment. “It was pretty difficult to come back after the fall. It was shocking and it’s a position we haven’t thought ourselves in of course.”
The five-time Italian champions Federica Faiella and Massimo Scali teamed up in 2001. They moved to the United States in 2005 to train in Detroit with Pasquale Camerlengo, Olympic Champion Anjelika Krylova, and P. Mezzad.
The Italians delivered an authentic Italian folk dance representant of the Southern part of Italy earning 63.55 points. They demonstrated high energy and a gorgeous curve lift where Massimo lifts Federica behind his back and exhibits difficult changes of position.
They displayed power and speed but seemed to lack the refinement of the top teams.
Scali said with excitement, “It’s five points more than the European Championships (which was there previous personal best). We felt really confident and comfortable on the ice. We came to Worlds to fight and to enjoy the experience.”
Skating to "Papa can you Hear me" from the Yentyl soundtrack by Barbara Streisand, the Italians opted to take on their own story line to the music portraying the life cycle of the butterfly rather then the traditional movie version. The step sequences seemed more powerful and the program was packed with wonderful highlight moves.
It was a tender and gentle skate for the Italians who gave a stellar performance. They earned a season best score for the free dance of 101.21 points. It was their best skate ever the duo told the media.
“We tried to be emotional, and we have worked on that a lot,” Scali told the press. “We knew that we have high levels, so we have tried to work a lot on the interpretation. Well, we cannot say that we do not care about the medals’ of course it would be wonderful if we got a medal at Worlds, but that was never our goal this season.”
They completed the event in fifth place overall with 201.91 points and received the highest technical score of the event.
Americans Meryl Davis, 21, and Charlie White, 20, currently train in Canton, Michigan with teammates Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto, and Canadians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, under the guidance of Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva.
The 2006 World Junior bronze medalists have had a meteoric rise in the senior rankings placing second at the Four Continents Championships and seventh at their first Senior World Championships last March.
The U.S. silver medalists delivered a charming and energetic Russian folk dance to the music of "Kalinka" for their original dance.
They received level four’s on all elements with the exception of the combination spin for which they received a level two. They displayed near-perfect unison on their non-touching-midline-twizzle-sequence and were rewarded with nine +2 GOE's and one +3 GOE from the panel.
“Before we skated, we wanted to leave everything on the ice and I that’s what we did,” White shared. “I think we can be happy with that.”
They accumulated 60.36 points and entered the free dance in seventh place.
Their free dance set to “Eleanor Rigby and Eleanor’s Dream” by the Beatles was intense. Their twizzles were spot on and their interpretation outstanding.
The Americans seemed disappointed when they received level three on their steps. They earned a segment score of 96.03 points and an event total of 191.19 points eclipsing the French for sixth place.
“It was definitely the best free skate this year,” White said.
The French team of Nathalie Pechalat, 24, and Fabian Bourzat, 27, showed a newfound confidence and skated with speed and flow.
It was in the original dance set to flamenco music where they lit up the audience and danced the night away. Exquisitely outfitted, Pechalat’s costume was accessorized by a fan which helped accentuate the authenticity of her movements.
They exhibited superb lifts (all level four) but managed less difficult steps (level three). The highlight of the program was their outstanding one-arm opening stationary lift for which they received a +2 GOE from six of the twelve judges.
They earned a total of 60.67 points in the original dance and entered the free dance in sixth place.
Bourzat who is struggling with a knee injury told the media, “People do not understand how much work it took to make it look that easy and it requires a lot of coordination. But we are glad we are able to use it properly (referring to the fan). Not many couples are using accessories yet, so that is fun.”
During the free dance segment, they delivered an eccentric dance earning an event total of 190.51 points. They skated to "Organ Donor" by DJ Shadow, and two selections by Michael Simpson and John King called "Maria" and "Space Monkeys."
The program was jam-packed with intriguing highlight moves and sensational unconventional lifts. The unique program, which they have called "craziness", describes the story of restraining someone in various stages of insanity.
The French silver medalists, train in their hometown of Lyon, under the guidance of Muriel Zazoui and Romain Haguenauer. The theme of the dance seemed to meet with mixed reviews and the French plummeted behind Davis and White finishing seventh.
It was an emotional and stressful week for Americans Kim Navarro and Brent Bommentre. The third ranked US team started their first World Championships behind the eight ball when the airlines lost Brent’s luggage which included his skates and his costumes.
The duo had to scramble to reassemble the accessories of their routines - utilizing their off-time for shopping. New skates were sent from the USA that Brent had bought to use next season. Local seamstresses were used to alter the last minute purchases. Designer Tania Bass offered assistance in designing a shirt for their African Folk Dance.
He used new costumes and skates in their twelfth place compulsory dance but his suitcase arrived in time for their original dance.
The American bronze medalist opted to use the new skates he had trained in all week, but stuck with their original costumes for the balance of the event.
The Americans gave a crowd-pleasing performance to African Folk Dance Music. The Four Continents bronze medalists executed strong step sequences and a strong rotational lift with multiple changes of position. The duo currently trains in Philadelphia and Newark, Deleware under the tutelage of Robbie Kaine and Cheryl Demkowski.
Their sensual free dance to "Since I’ve Been Loving You" performed by Corinne Bailey Rae was solid and earned huge applause from the crowd. They finished the event in twelfth place.
Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, of Canada, finished seventeenth and Allie-Hann McCurdy and Michael Coreno, of Canada, ended a successful first season and finished nineteenth. |
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Category : 2008 World Championships
| By : Robin Ritoss |
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| 25 Mar 2008 11:07:08 am |
| Savchenko and Szolkowy Snatch First World Title |
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Savchenko and Szolkowy Snatch First World Title
by Robin Ritoss @ Skatetoday.com
Five-Time German Pair Champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy edged out Olympic silver medalists Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang for the gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships. The championships which were held this week in Gothenburg, Sweden, culminated a successful season for the Germans. The striking pair won every competition they entered this season with the exception of The Cup of Russia where they placed second to Zhang and Zhamg. Canadians Jessica Dube and Bryce Davison also capped off their most successful season capturing bronze at their third appearance of the week-long event.
It is the first world title for Germany since coach Ingo Steuer won the international event with partner Mandy Woetzel in 1997.
The Grand Prix gold medalists skated first and delivered a short program that was neatly choreographed to the music of “ Asoka” from the Bollywood Soundtrack.
The duo started out strong with a high triple twist and a sensational throw triple flip. They suffered only one major error when Savchenko stepped out of their side-by- side triple toes. Their two-minute-fourty-second program was jam packed with stunning choreography and diffcult transitions. Savchenko and Szolkowy gathered a segment score of 72.00 points and entered the free skate in second place.
“Skating first was no problem,” Szolkowy stated. “Nowadays, skating at the beginning doesn't equal getting low scores anymore. We were not that good, but it is difficult to estimate how we’ve done, as the other couples still have to skate,” he added. “The pressure can only from yourself, but we tried to give our best here.”
The 2007 World bronze medalists Aliona Savchenko, 24, and Robin Szolkowy, 28, rose to the top of the world and locked in their first World Title despite a less-than-stellar free skate.
The duo who teamed up in 2003, stumbled in their free progam set to the music “ L’Olseau” (from Cirque du Soleil) by Rene Dupere.
Savchenlo sailed across the ice on their near-perfect throw triple flip but then Szolkowy stepped out on the back end of their triple toe/triple toe combination.
The German duo, who live and train in Chemnitz, delivered extraordinary lifts with complicated entrances for which they earnt level four.
Their intricate choreography was eye-catching. Their step sequences were smoothe and displayed good unison.
However, they ran into problems on their side-by-side triple Salchows when Robin fell and Aliona stumbled placing both hands on the ice.
“We don’t think about the points when we’ve done a mistake, as in this system a Sachow can be as valuable as a spin,” Szolkowy shared explained about the fall. “Every element is important.”
The European Champions highlighted their program with seven level four elements which earned them first place marks of 130.86 points for their free skate. They looked relieved when they realized they claimed their first Workd Title with an event total of 202.86 points.
“We have worked a lot on that,” Savchenko stated about receiving high levels. “After each competition we worked all our levels. Ingo always tried to make us get level four for everything.”
2006 World silver medalists Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang looked dissappointed despite capturing the silver meda. They won the short program but managed only third place in the free skate.
The pair who is best known for the horrific fall Dan sustained at the 2006 Olympic Games, when the powerful duo attempted making history with a quad throw Salchow. Dan demonstrated remarkable courage when she completed their silver medal free program despite sustaining injury during the fall.
Toughness was once again displayed by the Chinese as Hao Zhang skated through pain here as the he is recovering from recent surgery to remove a carbuncle from his left thigh.
“I had a small surgery about two weeks ago, the wound is not healed yet. It does hurt a lot, after the skate I hurried back and got some medication. The surgery was very unpleasant,” Hao Zhang explained pf jis condition. “Overall, it took two weeks (to recover) and then we came here directly. It is very painful especially on the landing of the jumps.”
The Four Continents silver medalists started their competition out strong winning the short program which was skated to the music “Piano Fantasy.”
The Chinese couple racked up 74.36 points in their powerful presentation - which was highlighted by a huge triple twist, a solid throw triple loop and side-by- side triple Salchows. The only weakness in their program came on their straight-line footwork which was rated only level one.
“We beat our personal best,” Zhang stated. “The most important thing is still to come - the free skating. The crowd here was just great. We are always hoping too give a good performance for the crowd.”
However, the overnight leaders slipped to second place overall with a skate worth 123.46 points. The Zhang’s lacked zing in their four-and-one-half-minute free skate to “The Myth” soundtrack.
Dan Zhang singled the first jump of a double Axel/triple toe combination and put a hand down on their side-by-side triple Salchows. The duos side-by-spins were in unison but appeared to be traveling.
“We made mistakes on two of our jumps,” said Dan Zhang. “We really regret that we were not able to skate our best tonight.”
Despite the errors, the Grand Prix silver medalists managed a huge triple twist, a throw triple loop, and a solid throw triple Salchow. They gathered an event total of 197.82 points and hung on to the silver medal despite placing third behind the Canadians in the free skate.
Jessica Dube and Bryce Davison, of Canada, sparkled in their flamenco short program to “ Galicia Flamenco.”
This is the third appearance for the Quebec based duo who placed seventh in 2006 and 2007.
They exhibited superb elements which included side-by-side triple Salchows, a double twist, and a throw triple Salchow. Their Axel/lasso lift was level four as was their change foot combination spin. The backward inside death spiral and straight-line steps were called level three.
The 2007 Canadian Champions lost their Canadian title in January after a subpar performance in the short program, but the duo fought back during the free skate and claimed the silver medal at that event.
“For me, it was a bit difficult to put it behind us,” Dube shared. “But once I did, training and preparing was much easier,” (On skipping Four Continents ) “We wanted to take a short break, and we have done other competitions this year as well.”
The 2006Junior World Champions racked up a personal best score of 68.66 points and entered the free skate in fourth place.
Their stellar free skate to “Blower’s Daughter” by Damien Rice was near-perfect and included side-by-side double Axels, a throw triple loop, side-by- side triple Salchows, and a throw triple Lutz with a slight hand down on the ice.
Their presentation was highlighted by tender choreography which was set-in-place by Canadian choreographer David Wilson. The reigning Canadian silver medalists gained 124.12 points for their free skate earning them their first World medal - a bronze.
“The practice this morning went well, Dube shared. “We were relaxed and focused. I think we knew then that it would be a good performance.”
Despite second best scores in the free program, the Canadians ended the event in third place with an overall total of 192.78 points smashing their previous personal best of 174.20 points. The duo earned the second highest technical score of the night.
“I think it’s (that ) we really made changes this summer, and we’ve been healthy all year,” shared Davison. “We knew we could do it, but actually … All I can say is “WOW”.
Russian National Champions Yuko Kawaguchi and Alexander Smirnov were third in the short program but fell to forth place overall with a messy free skate to “Love Story” with a total score of 191.33 points.
Their short program to “Rondo Capriccioso” by Camille Saint- Sains opened strong with squeaky clean side-by-side triple toes and sensational lifts and spins. They had a slight collision on the landing of their triple twist and Kawaguchi wobbled on the landing of the throw triple loop.
The Russians earned a segment score of 71.42 points which left them entering the free skate in third place.
“We've worked a lot on the choreography,” Smirnov told the media. “I think this was one of our best performances, especially considering the choreography part. I'm definitely very pleased.”
Kawaguchi added, ”I'm pleased with the score, but the performance could have been a bit better. The throw was shaky, but I didn't touch down with my second foot or with my hands. I hung on to it. The throw wasn't the most difficult element for me, the death spiral was.”
The duo who teamed up in 2006 tumbled to fourth overall after Kawaguchi two-footed a throw quad Salchow and Smirnov flipped out of the side-by-side double Axels and two-footed the triple toe/ triple toe combination.
The European bronze medalists lost unison on the side-by-spin and received a -1 GOE from ten of the twelve judges. Their free program earned 119.91 points.
“We just missed the podium narrowly,” Smirnov stated. “We did the quad throw. Overall we skated quite well. We learned a lot of lessons here: To be in the top three after the short program, to skate last in the last warm up, to skate after the new World Champions and to have the whole day to spend before the competition. These are lessons for us, and we need to learn.”
Four Continents Champions Qing Pang and Jian Tong skated last of the twenty couples and produced a lyrical short program to “O Doux Printemps d’ Autrefois” by Jules Massinet.
The two-time Chinese Champs under-rotated their triple-toe/triple toe combination and received only level two on their straight steps.
The 2006 World Champions seemed uninspired when they presented their free program set to the music of “Romeo and Juliet” by Nino Rota.
They opened with under-rotated triple toes and then Pang singled the first jump in a planned double Axel + double Axel sequence which was also under-rotated. They seemed to lose pace with the music and just perform element after element with little connection. They nailed their throw triple Salchow and throw triple loop and received positive GOE’s for those elements.
The fourth place finishers at the 2006 Olympic Games accumulated 118.91 points in the free skate and completed the event in fifth place with 186.78 points.
Meagan Duhamel and Craig Buntin, of Canada, pulled up to sixth place overall after the Canadian bronze medalists placed seventh in the short program (60.01 points) and sixth in the free (109.60 points) earning new personal bests in both programs.
They skated brilliantly in their free skate to “Tosca” with the only major error being a step out on a throw triple Lutz. Craig is struggling with a shoulder injury and will have surgery two weeks after Worlds.
Canadian Champions Annabelle Langlois and Cody Hay finished in eighth place overall after placing ninth in the short program and seventh in the free.
The Canadian duo hit their opening throw triple Salchow, but then Langlois doubled the first jump of their side-by-side triple toe/double toe and did not complete the second jump. The duo also ran into difficulties on the throw triple twist.
Despite the errors the Canadians earned a personal best score of 105.24 points. Their event total was 164.67 points.
Rena Inoue and John Baldwin, of the USA, finished tenth after a disappointing short program where they collided on the throw triple twist and Rena stepped out and fell on the throw triple Axel.
They placed eighth in the free skate after Inoue placed her hand on the ice on the throw triple loop and fell on the throw triple Axel. The American silver medalists received an event total of 157.20 points after receiving a one-point deduction for a time violation.
Brooke Castile and Benjamin Okolski finished eleventh overall after a error-prone performance in the short program where they finished twelfth. The American bronze medalists placed eleventh in the free skate after the duo received negative GOE’s on five elements. |
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Category : 2008 World Championships
| By : Robin Ritoss |
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| 25 Mar 2008 10:59:58 am |
| Technical Problems |
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| Due to computer problems reports on the World Championships were delayed. I will try and add them as soon as possible. We will be adding some additional coverage of audio clips in the near future. We apologize for any inconvience. |
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Category : 2008 World Championships
| By : Robin Ritoss |
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