Saturday, December 31, 2011

U.S. Nationals Novice Dance Preview

This event should be extremely close as there are several teams that will be jostling for places on the podium.  They will also be competing one of the same pattern dances that was performed at sectionals, but also a new pattern dance, which could dramatically change the scoring.


While Miller and MacMillan enter with the highest total score from sectionals, their entire advantage came from the Killian portion, which will not be competed at nationals.  While this is a new team, they both have experience competing and winning at the national level.


Moore and Klaber set the highest free dance score from sectionals en route to their gold medal finish.  This is their 5th consecutive nationals together and their second season as novices and that experience could really pay off as so many of these teams are new partnerships and new to the novice level.


Rosinksi and Jaffe finished just a point behind Moore and Klaber at Sectionals and set the highest Argentine Tango score, a dance which will be competed at nationals.  They also train alongside Moore and Klaber everyday, so I expect that the competitive environment at home could push these two teams to the top.  


Lewis and Bye are a very young team that are competing in their first novice season.  They have a great shot at winning their first national medal here and could be an up and coming team to watch as they won't be eligible to compete internationally for three more years, giving them plenty of time to grow and develop.


My podium predictions:
Gold: Moore/Klaber
Silver: Miller/MacMillan
Bronze: Rosinski/Jaffe
Pewter: Lewis/Bye


Bios of the competitors:
Meara Lorello/William Dean: They represent the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club.  They finished 14th in Juvenile in 2010 and are the 2011 Intermediate Champions.  They won bronze at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Rebecca Lucas/Yan Kazansky: She represents the Triangle Figure Skating Club and he represents the Columbia Figure Skating Club of Maryland.  They won silver at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Whitney Miller/Kyle MacMillan: They represent the Washington Figure Skating Club.  They won gold at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  


Karen Tong/David Cruikshank: She represents the Skating Club of New York and he represents the Windy Hill Skating Club.  They won pewter at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.

Sierra Chadwick/Alexander Martin: They represent the Detroit Skating Club.  They finished 8th in Juvenile in 2009, are the 2010 Juvenile Bronze Medalists and the 2011 Intermediate Bronze Medalists.  They won pewter at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Madison George/Brad Kleffman: They represent the Detroit Skating Club.  They won bronze at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  


Holly Moore/Daniel Klaber: They represent the Pavilion Skating Club.  They finished 8th in Juvenile in 2008, 5th in Juvenile in 2009, are the 2010 Intermediate Silver Medalists and finished 8th in Novice in 2011.  They won gold at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Hannah Rosinski/Jacob Jaffe : They represent the Pavilion Skating Club.  They won silver at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals. 

Lauren Leonesio/Dustin Perini: She represents the Coyotes Skating Club of Arizona.  They won pewter at Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  


Chloe Lewis/Logan Bye: She is 10 years old and represents the All Year Figure Skating Club.  He represents the Broadmoor Skating Club.  They finished 6th in Intermediate in 2011.  They won gold at Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Hannah Pfeifer/Grant Lorello: She represents the All Year Figure Skating Club and he represents the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club.  They won bronze at Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Stacey Siddon/Jared Weiss: She is 17 and he is 18.  She represents the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club and he represents the All Year Figure Skating Club.  They won silver at Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for nationals.

Top Moments of 2011: December

Grand Prix/Junior Grand Prix
In one of the most anticipated showdowns of the season, Davis and White defeated Virtue and Moir in the Grand Prix Final and became only the second team in history to win 3 consecutive Grand Prix titles.  Virtue and Moir lost points with a fall in their short dance and expressed disappointment in the result.




Savchenko and Szolkowy defeated Volosozhar and Trankov by only .18 points in the Grand Prix Final.


Jason Brown surprised many by taking the Junior Grand Prix title without a triple axel but with a focus on his component scores to make up the deficit.


Carolina Kostner won the Grand Prix Final but the real story in the ladies event was Mao Asada withdrawing to travel back to Japan to be with her mother, who passed away before Asada could return home.

Other
Evgeni Plushenko came back after sitting out the 2010-2011 season and won Russian Nationals ahead of World Bronze Medalist Artur Gachinski.

Top Moments of 2011: November

Grand Prix
Mao Asada showed that she had returned to her previous form by winning the gold medal at Rostelecom Cup and qualifying for the Grand Prix Final for the first time since 2007.

Elizaveta Tuktamisheva takes down veterans Alissa Czisny and Carolina Kostner to win her second gold medal of the season at Trophee Eric Bompard.


Nobunari Oda had a melt down at Trophee Eric Bompard due to a persistent injury and later had to withdraw from Japanese nationals.


Nan Song won his second silver medal of the season at Trophee Eric Bompard, pulling up significantly in rankings from the previous season.


Akiko Suzuki holds off Mao Asada to win the gold medal at home at NHK Trophy.


Daisuke Takahashi puts up a 90 point short program at NHK Trophy without a quad jump, showing the value of good GOEs and PCS marks.

In only their second senior season, the Shibutanis won their first Grand Prix gold medal at NHK Trophy.

Top Moments of 2011: October

Junior Grand Prix
Han Yan showed off a quad in his program at JGP Austria to cruise to an impressive victory.


Sui and Han added a quad twist to their repertoire in addition to the quad throw in Austria.


Gracie Gold won the gold in her JGP debut in Estonia and had the 2nd highest score of the season, right behind Julia Lipnitskaia


Grand Prix
Elizaveta Tuktamisheva won the gold medal in her Grand Prix debut and became the first ladies skater to do so at Skate Canada.


Javier Fernandez stunned many by winning the short program at Skate Canada ahead of Patrick Chan and Daisuke Takahashi and held on to win Spain's first Grand Prix medal in any discipline.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Free Dance

The Novice Free Dance consists of elements in 4 categories completed in 3:00 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts
  • Maximum of 3
  • There is a choice for the required lifts:
    • Option with the long lift: One short lift and one long lift
    • Option with the short lift: three types of short lift, only one type of short lift may be repeated
  • Long lifts are max 12 seconds, short lifts are max 6 seconds
Dance Spins
  • 1
  • Spin or combination spin
  • Spin is a minimum of 3 revolutions on 1 foot by both partners OR a combination apin with a minimum of 3 revolutions on each foot by both partners
 Step Sequences
  • Maximum of 1
  • Midline, diagonal, circular or serpentine in hold.  Must use full ice surface.  Non touching sequence not permitted.
  • Skated in dance holds or variations thereof except hand-in-hand hold in sustained position with fully extended arms.  Any separation to change a hold must not exceed 1 measure of music.
  • Lifts, jumps of more than 1/2 rotation, stops, dance spins, pirouettes, pattern regression and loops are not to be included in step sequences.
 Twizzles
  • 1 set of synchronized twizzles

Additional Information
  • Combined dance spin and lift are permitted but are to be counted as separate elements: i.e. as 1 of the permitted lifts and 1 dance spin.
  • Kneeling or sliding on 2 knees and/or sitting on the ice are not permitted.  It will be considered as a fall and the appropraite deduction will be applied by the Technical Panel.
  • Touching the ice with hand(s) is not permitted.
  • Lifts: no part of the costume may be used as any support in a lift which is considered for level.  If this occurs, the lift will get a level according to calling specifications, and a one point deduction by the referee and judging panel will be applied.
  • A chosen type of creative/difficult entry must be different for each lift to be considered for level.
  • Other illegal elements
    • Jumps of more than one revolution or jumps of one revolution skated at the same time by both partners
    • Lying on the ice

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pattern Dance

In lieu of the short dance, novices perform two pattern dances (old compulsory dances).

This season, the dances are the Argentine Tango and the Starlight Waltz for U.S. Nationals.

Top Moments of 2011: July/August/September

Summer Competitions
Denney and Coughlin win the short program at Indy Challenge only a few weeks after beginning their partnership.

Junior Grand Prix
Nosulia and Kholoniuk of Ukraine finished 19th at Junior Worlds last season but improved enough to win the gold medal at JGP Latvia.



Joshua Farris crossed the 200 point mark en route to his gold medal finish at JGP Poland.




Julia Lipnitskaia, who is only 13 years old, rode great jumps and impressive flexibility to a gold medal in her JGP debut in Poland.




Simpson and Blackmer became the first US team to win JGP gold since 2007 in Poland after only a few months together at a team.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

U.S. Nationals Novice Pairs Preview

The novice pairs event often shows deep inequalities in the field.  The technical requirements range from singles to doubles or triples and that can greatly affect the scores.  Some teams will be doing single twists while others will be attempting doubles.  Some teams can only manage single throws while others are working on their doubles.  A lot of these teams are also very young and in new partnerships and learning pairs for the first time. 


Top teams will be smarter about their programs.  Novice competitors are only allowed a throw double in their short program, so they may attempt a throw double axel to maximize their points.  They'll also be more secure in their lifts and be able to attempt one handed holds and changes of position.  This will really set them apart from the teams that are just moving up to the novice level.


Three teams are returning to the novice level this season and that experience and time together should help them stay on top of the pack.


Fields and Pacini are the reigning Novice Pewter medalists.  They won their sectional by 12 points and set themselves up as favorites in this event.  Shaughnessy and Morgan finished right behind Fields and Pacini at last years nationals and won their sectional event by nearly 40 points.  Liu and Perini won the silver medal at last years nationals and caught the attention of many with her tiny size and big attitude.  She was so small that they had difficulty keeping her on the ice in the pair spin as the momentum lifted her up in the air.  As she gets older and grows, they'll have to readjust their technique as elements that were simple before will become more challenging.


A new team on the scene that impressed at sectionals is Viola and Johnson.  Alexander Johnson is a seasoned singles competitor, competing nationally at the senior level and internationally as a junior.  


My podium predictions:
Gold: Fields/Pacini
Silver: Shaughnessy/Morgan
Bronze: Viola/Johnson
Pewter: Liu/Perini


Bios of the competitors:
Alexis Donahoe/James Rappold: They won the pewter medal at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Victoria LoRusso/Timothy Habeeb: They won silver at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Alexandria Shaughnessy/James Morgan: They represent the Skating Club of Boston.  They finished 5th in Novice in 2011.  They won gold at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Lianna Thomas/Gene Fu: She is 16 and he is 18.  They won bronze at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Caitlin Fields/Jason Pacini: She is 16 and he is 21.  She represents the Coyote Skating Club of Arizona and he represents the Fort Collins Figure Skating Club.  They are the reigning Novice Pewter Medalists.  They won gold at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Allison Smith/Anthony Evans: She represents the Dallas Figure Skating Club and he represents the Stars Figure Skating Club of Texas.  They won the pewter medal at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Danielle Viola/Alexander Johnson: She represents the Washington Figure Skating Club and he represents the Broadmoor Skating Club.  They won silver at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Christina Zaitsev/Ernie Utah Stevens: She is 13 years old.  They represent the Indiana/World Figure Skating Club.  They are the 2010 Juvenile Champions and the 2011 Intermediate Pewter Medalists.  They won bronze at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Hannah Klopstock/Chadwick Phillips: They won the bronze medal at Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Chelsea Liu/Devin Perini: She is 12 and he is 18.  She represents the Broadmoor Skating Club and he represents the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club.  They are the reigning Novice Silver Medalists.  They won gold at Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Elise Middleton/Robert Hennings:   She is 11 and he is 14.  They are the 2010 Juvenile Pairs Bronze Medalists and 2011 Intermediate Champions.  They won silver at Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.


Nancy Xu/Robert Przepioski: They represent the Peninsula Skating Club.  They won the pewter medal at Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.

Top Moments of 2011: May

Other
Crone and Poirier of Canada announced that they would split citing her desire to retire and set off a partner swapping craze that would last the entire off-season.

Miki Ando announced that she would sit out at least the Grand Prix and possibly the whole season after winning the World title.

Laura Lepisto, who sat out the entire season due to injury, announced that she planned to make a comeback.

Daisuke Takahashi and Nobunari Oda both had surgery to repair knee problems.

Top Moments of 2011: June

Grand Prix Assignments
The Grand Prix assignments were released and Evan Lysacek was scheduled for two events.  He announced his intention to compete and prepare for the 2014 Olympics.

The Zhangs were also on the list after sitting out the previous season due to injury.

Elizaveta Tuktamisheva and Adelina Sotnikova were scheduled to make their Grand Prix debuts after taking the junior circuit by storm the previous season.

Other
After sitting out a season when Evan Bates' achilles tendon was sliced in a training accident, Samuelson and Bates announced they were ending their partnership.

The splits and retirements kept racking up and new partnerships rose from the ashes (complete list here).

Top Moments of 2011: April

Worlds
Patrick Chan set a new standard and three world records en route to his first World title.


Miki Ando defeats Yu-Na Kim to win the World title.


Davis and White become the first American team to win the World Championship in ice dance and lead a North American sweep of the podium and a sweep for coaches Zoueva/Shpilband.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Free Skate

The novice pairs free skate consists of 9 categories of elements that must be completed in 3:30 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts
  • Maximum of 2
  • From different groups
  • One must be from Group 3 or 4
  • Minimum 2 revolutions by lady and minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man
  • Carry-type lifts and carry-type features are not permitted. 
  • Variations of position, no-handed, 1-handed, combo lifts and lifts that turn in both directions are permitted
Twist Lifts
  • Maximum of 1
  • Single or double
Throw Jumps
  • Maximum of 2
  • Must be different
  • Single, double or triple
Solo jumps
  • Maximum of 1
  • No limit on the number of revolutions
Jump Sequence/Combination
  • Maximum of 1
  • Jump combination may consist of 2.  No limit to number of jumps in Jump sequence.  Both may include jumps with the same name. 
Pair Spin/Combination Spin
  • Maximum of 1
  • Pair Combination Spin must change foot by both partners and minimum 1 change of position by both partners, Minimum of 5 revolutions
Solo Spin/Combination Spin
  • Maximum of 1
  • Change of foot and position, and flying entry are optional
  • Both partners must achieve basic position for 2 revolutions
  • Minimum 5 revolutions
Death Spiral
  • Maximum of 1
  • Regular 1-hand to 1-hand hold required
  • When death spiral position is attained, both partners must execute 1 revolution with man in full pivot positions
  • Lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface.
Spiral Sequence
  • Maximum of 1
  • Choreographed spiral sequence
  • Sequence consists primarily of spirals.  Spiral is 1 blade on the ice and free leg (knee/foot)higher than hip level
  • Minimum 2 spirals by both partners for 3 seconds each OR 1 spiral by both partners for 6 seconds each for a Fixed Base Value

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Pairs Short Program

The Novice pairs short program consists of 7 elements that must be performed in a maximum time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds.

1. One lift selected from groups 1-5, minimum 2 revolutions by lady, minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man, carry type lifts or carry type features not permitted.  One handed, changes of hold and changes of lady's position are permitted.
2. Single or double twist lift
3. Single or double throw jump
4. Double lutz solo jump
5. Pair Spin, no change of foot, optional change of position.  Minimum 5 revolutions in total.  May not commence with a jump.
5. Solo spin with no change of foot, optional change of position.  Both partners must achieve at least 1 basic positions for 2 revolutions, minimum 5 revolutions in total, may commence with a jump
6. Forward inside death spiral, when final death spiral position is attained, both partners must execute 1 full revolution with man in full pivot position, lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface.  Lady's head must reach the level of her skating knee.
7. Step sequence (straight line, circular or serpentine), fully utilize ice surface; partners should share workload, skate close together and to the concept/character of the music; changes of place and holds, short stops and any unlisted jumps are permitted.

Top Moments of 2011: March

Junior Worlds:
Alexander Majorov became the first Swedish man to medal at Junior Worlds with his bronze medal finish.


The Russian wonderbabies Adelina Sotnikova and Elizaveta Tuktamisheva cruised to a 1-2 finish with their strong technical content.


Sui and Han claimed their 2nd Junior World title.


Monko and Khaliavin won the dance title and Lichtman and Copely held off a Russian sweep of the podium.


Other
A huge earthquake rocked Japan and was followed by a devastating tsunami only a week before the Worlds were scheduled to take place.  The entire Japanese team was unharmed as were several of the skaters already in the county.  Eventually, the event was postponed and Moscow was awarded the World Championships.  See how I covered the aftermath here and here.

Top Moments of 2011: February

Four Continents
Mirai Nagasu finally showed her potential with a stunning free skate that led her to a bronze medal and one of the top scores of the season.


Miki Ando also took the event by storm, winning the gold medal and scoring over 200 points.

Virtue and Moir withdrew after a few second of their free dance in their first event of the season citing an injury to Tessa.


Other
The Chinese Federation was accused of falsifying the ages of their skaters to make them age eligible for events, including Grand Prix Final medalists, Sui and Han.  The ISU launched an investigation but the story faded away.  Here's how I covered it.

Alissa Czisny had a small role in a major Superbowl ad which later launched a longer web ad based entirely on her story.

Top Moments of 2011: January

U.S. Nationals
Caitlin Yankowskas/John Coughlin skated to their first national title with a flawless and emotionally charged performance of Ave Maria, dedicated to his mother who passed away the year before.


Alissa Czisny followed up her Grand Prix Final win with her second national title and showed that she was back as a top contender in the world.

Ryan Bradley returned to competition at the urging of his fans and claimed his first ever national title at the age of 28.  Two youngsters, Richard Dornbush and Ross Miner stole the show by taking silver and bronze and making the World team ahead of veterans like Jeremy Abbott.

Europeans
Sarah Meier won her first European title in her home country and retired on top.

U.S. Nationals Novice Ladies Preview

Karen Chen blew the field away at both of her qualifying events cruising to two gold medals.  She already has a national title under her belt from last season and is entering this event as the favorite.  She has the two top scores of the qualifying season and could cruise to a victory of 10 points or more here at nationals if she can keep up the same level.  She also showed a slight improvement between events and her scores were consistent which is extremely important at this level.  She is also one of the youngest ladies in this event at only 12 years old.  


Amber Glenn and Avery Kurtz flip flopped between events winning the silver and gold medals in their regional and sectional events.  Glenn beat Kurtz by 13 points at regionals and Kurtz beat Glenn by 9 points at sectionals.  Whoever skates clean will likely take the silver medal but I think they'll both wind up on the medal stand.


Madison Vinci and Brianna Laxson are training mates who also switched results throughout qualifying.  Laxson had a less than 5 point lead over Vinci at regionals but Vinci took a 1 point lead over Laxson at sectionals.  These two should be very close again and will likely be trying to hold off Selena Zhao for the final spot on the podium.


My medal predictions:
Gold: Karen Chen
Silver: Amber Glenn
Bronze: Avery Kurtz
Pewter: Brianna Laxson


Bios of the competitors:
Brianna Laxson: She is 12 years old and represents the Washington Figure Skating Club.  She finished 20th in Juvenile Girls in 2010 and is the 2011 Intermediate Ladies pewter medalist.  She won gold at South Atlantic Regionals and silver at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 9th best short program, 4th best free skate and 5th best total scores.


Olivia Serafini: She is 14 years old and represents the Albany Figure Skating Club.  She won gold at North Atlantic Regionals and bronze at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.

Morgan Sewall: She is 14 years old and represents the North Atlantic Figure Skating Club.  She won gold at New England Regionals and pewter at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.

Madison Vinci: She is 15 years old and represents the Washington Figure Skating Club.  She is the 2011 bronze medalist in Intermediate Ladies.  She won silver at South Atlantic Regionals and gold at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 4th best short program, 8th best free skate and 7th best total score.

Madison DeLuca: She is 15 years old and represents the Arctic Figure Skating Club.  She finished 9th in Intermediate Ladies in 2010.  She won gold at Eastern Great Lakes Regionals and pewter at Midwestern Regionals to qualify for nationals.  


Amber Glenn: She is 12 years old and represents the Dallas Figure Skating Club.  She finished 10th in Intermediate Ladies in 2011 and 12th in Juvenile Girls in 2009.  She won gold at Southwest Regionals and silver at Midwest Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 7th best short program score and 3rd best free skate and total score.


Avery Kurtz: She is 14 years old and represents the Broadmoor Skating Club.  She is the 2010 Intermediate Ladies pewter medalist.   She won silver at Southwest Regionals and gold at Midwest Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 3rd best short program, 2nd best free skate and 2nd best total score.


Bradie Tennell: She is 13 years old and represents the Wagon Wheel Figure Skating Club.  She finished 10th in Juvenile Girls in 2010 and 15th in Intermediate Ladies in 2011.  She won bronze at Upper Great Lakes Regionals and Midwest Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 9th best free skate score.

Karen Chen: She is 12 years old and represents the Peninsula Skating Club.  She won pewter in Juvenile Girls in 2010 and is the 2011 Intermediate Ladies Champion.  She won gold at Central Pacific Regionals and Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the best short program, free skate and total scores.


Amanda Gelb: She represents the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club.  She won gold at Southwest Pacific Regionals and bronze at Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 7th best short program, 8th best free skate and 7th best total score.


Dyllan McIntee: She is 13 years old and represents the Skating Club of Phoenix.  She is the 2010 Juvenile Girls Champion.  She finished 11th in Intermediate Ladies in 2011.  She won pewter at Southwest Pacific Regionals and silver at Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 6th best free skate and total score.


Selena Zhao: She represents the Highland Skating Club.  She won gold at Northwest Pacific Regionals and pewter at Pacific Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  She has the 8th best short program, 5th best free skate and 4th best total score.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Ladies Free Skate

Novice Ladies have 3 minutes to complete elements in three categories in their free skate.

Jumps
  • Maximum 6 jumping passes in the program
  • 1 must be an Axel-type jump
  • Maximum of 3 combinations or sequences
  • Combinations are limited to 2 jumps, but one 3-jump combination is permitted. 
  • Number of jumps in a sequence is not limited
  • No more than 2 jumps that are 2 1/2 or 3 rotations may be repeated.  If 2 1/2 or triple jump repeated, must be in combination or sequence
  • No more than 2 of the same time of double or triple may be attempted
Spins
  • There are a maximum of 3 spins
  • 1 must have a flying entry with no change of position or foot
  • 1 must be a spin combination with or without a change of foot
  • 3rd spin is option of skater
  • Minimum 6 revolutions, 10 for the combination spin, minimum 2 revolutions in each position
  • All spins may change feet and start with a fly (except the fixed flying entry with no change of foot)
  • Spins must be of a different nature
Step Sequences
  • One leveled step sequence
  • Straight line, circular or serpentine

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Ladies Short Program

The novice ladies short program consists of 6 elements that must be performed in 2:30 maximum time.

1. Axel or double axel
2. Double or triple jump immediately preceded by connecting steps.  May not repeat double axel.
3. Jump combination, double/double or double/triple, may not repeat either Axel jump performed or solo jump
5. Layback or sideways leaning spin, no change of foot, may not have flying entry, minimum 6 revolutions
6. Spin combination, with only 1 change of foot and minimum of 1 change of position.  2 revolutions required for position to count.  No flying entry, minimum 5 revolutions each foot
7. Step sequence, Straight line, circular or serpentine

Monday, December 26, 2011

U.S. Nationals Novice Men's Preview

Vincent Zhou enters this event as the favorite after winning both of his qualifying events this season by comfortable margins.  At just 11 years old, he already has one national championship to his name, winning the intermediate level last season.  He has double axels and lots of triple jumps and while not everything is the prettiest, he is fairly consistent and sticks his landings.  He has the top two scores of the season by a comfortable margin and should win this event solidly.


Here's the video of his winning performance at Junior Nationals last season.
Kevin Shum finished 2nd behind Zhou at both of his events last season and had consistent scoring between the two events.  He lost points when he completed an illegal triple+triple combination in his short program at Sectionals but that technical prowess could give him an edge if he uses it correctly.  He is also one of two skaters that made it to nationals at the novice level last season and that experience should allow him to better handle the pressure of skating in a larger event with bigger crowds.


The rest of the skaters are fairly evenly matched, and I think the whole event will be close, especially the race for the podium.  Of the rest of the field, Tony Lu had the highest scores and was the most consistent between events so I give him a slight edge.


My podium predictions:
Gold: Vincent Zhou
Silver: Kevin Shum
Bronze: Tony Lu
Pewter: Spencer Howe


Bios of the competitors:
Tony Lu: He is 12 years old and competes on behalf of the Skating Club of Wilmington.  He is the 2010 Juvenile Boys Silver Medalist and finished 18th in Juvenile Boys in 2009.  He won gold at South Atlantic Regionals and Eastern Sectionals to qualify for Nationals.  He has the 7th best short program, 3rd best free skate and 4th best total score.


Jimmy Ma: He placed 14th in Intermediate Men in 2010.  He won silver at North Atlantic Regionals and Eastern Sectionals to qualify for Nationals.  He has the 2nd best short program, 8th best free skate and 5th best total score.


Oleksiy Melnyk: He is 14 years old and competes on behalf of the Washington Figure Skating Club.  He is the 2011 Intermediate Men's Silver Medalist and finished 7th in Juvenile Boys in 2009.  He won silver at South Atlantic Regionals and the pewter medal at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for Nationals.  He has the 9th best short program and 10th best total score.


James Schetelich: He is 15 years old and represents the Skating Club of New York.  He placed 18th in Intermediate Men in 2010 and is the 2009 Juvenile Boys pewter medalist.  He won gold at North Atlantic Regionals and the bronze medal at Eastern Sectionals to qualify for Nationals.  He has the 3rd best short program and 6th best free skate and total scores.

Chase Belmontes: He represents the Broadmoor Skating Club.  He placed 20th in Intermediate Men in 2010.  He won gold at Southwestern Regionals and silver at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  He has the 10th best short program, 7th best free skate and 8th best total score.


Brian Krentz: He represents the Skokie Valley Skating Club.  He placed 5th in Intermediate Pairs in 2011.  He won gold Upper Great Lakes Regionals and Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  He has the 4th best free skate and 7th best total score.


Kyle Shropshire: He represents the Wagon Wheel Skating Club.  He placed 13th in Intermediate Men in 2010.  He won the bronze medal at Upper Great Lakes Regionals and pewter medal at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  He has the 9th best free skate and 10th best total score.


Nicholas Vrdoljak: He is 15 years old and competes for Northern Ice Skating Club.  He is the 2009 Juvenile Boys Champion and placed 5th in Intermediate Men in 2010 and 14th in Juvenile Boys in 2008.  He won the silver medal at Upper Great Lakes Sectionals and bronze at Midwestern Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  He has the 6th best short program and 9th best total score.

Spencer Howe: He is 15 years old and represents the Los Angeles Figure Skating Club.  He is the 2009 Juvenile Boys silver medalist, placed 16th in Intermediate Men in 2010 and 6th in Novice Men in 2011.  He won bronze at Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  He has the 5th best short program and free skate and 3rd best total score.


Wilbur Ji: He represents the Skating Club of San Francisco.  He won bronze at Central Pacific Regionals and the pewter medal at Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for Nationals.  


Kevin Shum: He represents the St. Moritz Ice Skating Club.  He is the 2008 Juvenile Boys Champion, placed 7th in Intermediate Men in 2009, 6th in Intermediate Men in 2010 and 9th in Novice Men in 2011.  He won silver at Central Pacific Regionals and Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for nationals.  He has the 4th best short program and 2nd best free skate and total score.


Vincent Zhou: He is 11 years old and represents the Peninsula Skating Club.  He placed 5th in Juvenile Boys in 2010 and is the reigning Intermediate Men's Champion.  He won gold at Central Pacific Regionals and Pacific Coast Sectionals to qualify for nationals. He has the best short program, free skate and total score.

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Men's Free Skate

Novice Men must complete elements in three categories during the three and a half minutes allotted for their free skate.

Jumps
  • A maximum of 7 jumping passes can be completed
  • 1 must be an Axel-type jump
  • Maximum 3 combinations or sequences
  • Combinations are limited to 2 jumps, but one 3-jump combo is permitted
  • Number of jumps in sequence is not limited
  • One double axel and two different triple jumps may be repeated.  If double axel or triple jumps repeated, must be in combo or sequence.
  • No more than two of the same type of double or triple may be attempted.
Spins
  • Maximum of three spins
  • Spins must be of a different nature
  • 1 spin must have a flying entry with no change of foot or position
  • 1 spin must be a combination with or without change of foot
  • 3rd spin is option of skater
  • Minimum 6 revolutions, 10 for the combination spin, minimum of 2 revolutions in each position
  • All spins may change feet and start with a flying entry (except for the proscribed flying entry with no change of foot)
Step Sequences
  • One leveled step sequence
  • Straight line, circular or serpentine

Breaking Down the Elements: Novice Men's Short Program

For the 2011-2012 season, novice men have 6 required elements in their short program to be performed in 2 minutes and 30 seconds.  The elements can be performed in any order.

1. Double or triple jump, immediately preceded by connecting steps or other free skating movements.  May not repeat double axel jump
2. Jump combination, double/double or triple/double.  May not repeat either Axel jump performed or solo jump
3. Axel or double axel
4. Camel or Sit spin, with only one change of foot, no change of position, no flying entry, minimum 5 revolutions each foot.
5. Spin Combination, with only 1 change of foot and minimum 1 change of position.  2 revolutions required for position to count.  No flying entry, minimum 5 revolutions each foot.
6. Step Sequence, straight line, circular or serpentine

Russian Nationals Ladies Results

Pl.NameNationTSS
=
TES
+
PCS
+
SSTRPECHINDeduction
-
StN.
AAdelina SotnikovaMOS68.6535.7032.958.148.008.328.368.360.00# 12
2Ksenia MakarovaSPB64.3030.9033.408.364.88.438.508.430.00# 14
3Julia LipnitskiiMOS63.1133.9329.187.327.77.397.367.320.00# 7
4Sophia BIRYUKOVAMOS60.9531.3629.597.437.147.467.547.430.00# 5
5Alena LeonovaSPB59.9527.6032.354.87.757.88.298.290.00# 2
6Elena RadionovaMOS59.1033.073.266.466.216.616.576.680.00# 4
7Elizabeth TuktamyshevaSPB58.3228.9230.407.617.297.687.717.711.00# 8
8Pauline KorobeinikovaMOS57.6429.3028.347.256.827.147.147.70.00# 10
9Anna ShershakovMOS55.2929.1626.136.646.216.646.646.540.00# 18
10Maria ArtemievSPB55.258.3026.176.796.436.506.506.501.00# 9
11Evgenia MedvedevaMOS53.2130.2123.005.715.505.895.865.790.00# 11
12Alexander DeevMOS53.2128.5324.686.215.966.256.256.180.00# 16
13Eugene GERASIMOVASPB52.5827.7824.806.295.896.326.326.180.00# 17
14Anna OvcharovoMOS52.519.2626.426.686.396.576.646.750.00# 15
15Pauline AGAFONOVASPB50.3025.6425.666.576.216.466.466.361.00# 1
16Sophia MISHINMOS46.5525.469.225.715.365.465.545.541.00# 13
17Pauline ShelepenMOS45.4421.2926.156.826.366.366.686.462.00# 6
18Maria StavitskySPB43.1021.7422.365.715.435.465.715.641.00# 3 

Pl.NameNationTSS 
=
TES 
+
 PCS 
+
SSTRPECHINDeduction 
-
StN.
AJulia LipnitskiiMOS128.5468.65 59.897.507.257.687.547.460.00# 16
2Adelina SotnikovaMOS125.0659.05 66.018.294.88.118.438.390.00# 17
3Alena LeonovaSPB118.2052.87 65.338.187.898.118.368.290.00# 15
4Elizabeth TuktamyshevaSPB116.0857.36 60.727.647.397.547.757.642.00# 9
5Elena RadionovaMOS115.7163.68 53.036.686.326.756.716.681.00# 13
6Ksenia MakarovaSPB111.1947.04 65.158.217.938.188.218.181.00# 18
7Pauline ShelepenMOS109.3456.80 53.546.866.466.716.796.641.00# 4
8Evgenia MedvedevaMOS108.5360.96 48.576.45.796.217.66.251.00# 8
9Pauline KorobeinikovaMOS107.9352.01 55.927.146.796.897.147.000.00# 11
10Eugene GERASIMOVASPB99.4452.67 47.776.115.716.007.65.961.00# 6
11Pauline AGAFONOVASPB97.8448.31 49.536.366.006.146.326.140.00# 1
12Sophia MISHINMOS97.1950.75 46.445.935.575.895.825.820.00# 2
13Anna ShershakovMOS96.8247.68 51.146.576.186.296.546.392.00# 7
14Sophia BIRYUKOVAMOS95.1642.34 55.827.216.896.617.216.963.00# 14
15Maria ArtemievSPB93.1942.67 52.526.756.396.366.716.612.00# 12
16Alexander DeevMOS91.2943.32 48.976.296.007.66.116.141.00# 10
17Maria StavitskySPB87.6243.69 44.935.715.435.615.715.611.00# 5
18Anna OvcharovoMOS82.1633.10 50.066.326.46.116.436.391.00# 3


FPl.NameNationPointsKPPP
AAdelina SotnikovaMOS193.71A2
2Julia LipnitskiiMOS191.653A
3Alena LeonovaSPB178.1553
4Ksenia MakarovaSPB175.4926
5Elena RadionovaMOS174.8165
6Elizabeth TuktamyshevaSPB174.4074
7Pauline KorobeinikovaMOS165.5789
8Evgenia MedvedevaMOS161.74118
9Sophia BIRYUKOVAMOS156.11414
10Pauline ShelepenMOS154.78177
11Anna ShershakovMOS152.11913
12Eugene GERASIMOVASPB152.021310
13Maria ArtemievSPB148.441015
14Pauline AGAFONOVASPB148.141511
15Alexander DeevMOS144.501216
16Sophia MISHINMOS143.741612
17Anna OvcharovoMOS134.671418
18Maria StavitskySPB130.721817