Skate America 2018 - Ladies Final - Nerves of Ice

The ladies of the day
Photo: Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images North America

The ladies' short programme was my favourite out of the four short events in Everett, so I am expecting a lot of great performances in the final. Japan had three really good contenders for the podium, so don't rule out a Japanese win across the board. The biggest obstacle in their way seems to be Russia's Sofia Samodurova, who has already made quite the impression here.

Unfortunately, we need to begin the event with bad news: Loena Hendrickx has withdrawn from the competition due to injury.

Alaine Chartrand starts the final. If you watch her hand gestures, you will notice a theme running throughout the programme. She skates to Sunset Boulevard by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Love her flying sit spin. Score: 108.50 -> 155.49.

Polina Tsurskaya has told us a Russian tale today - check out her songs if you have no idea what I'm talking about 😉. She's wearing a really cool costume, which looks like it's been taken apart with various tools. Anyway, she keeps doubling out of jumps throughout the routine; the biggest mistake is stepping out of the 3Loop. Score: 101.03. -> 159.45.

Starr Andrews from the US
Photo: Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images North America
I don't know if it's a consequence of her mistakes, but Starr Andrews does not seem to feel the music at all. She singles out of the 3Lutz, falls on the 3Flip after a little stumble going into it, doubles out of the 3Lutz, steps out of the 3Loop and can't seem to centre the change combo spin very well. Score: 94.53 -> 150.56.

 I always enjoy watching Laurine Lecavelier skate, and it's not different tonight, despite the fact she has had better performances. The flying camel spin positions flow beautifully one into the other. The music is I'll Take Care of You. Score: 112.84 -> 172.41.

The arena is absolutely thrilled that Bradie Tennell, their national champion, has completely recovered from the bad performance she did yesterday. She skates to Romeo and Juliet by Rachmaninoff. The choreographic sequence is very intense, full of what looks like stabbing gestures...which does happen in the story, actually. Score: 131.17 -> 192.89.

The Friends of Mr Cairo is a very grand song, so Megan Wessenberg might need to work just a bit more to match her presentation to it. She doubles out of the 3Lutz, double-foots the 3Salchow and steps out of the 2Axel. Her step sequence is rather simple and her arm movements throughout it, repetitive. Score: 110.13 -> 170.33.

 Marin Honda wins best costume of the day (possibly, the season), but has unfortunately lost a medal. She falls on the 3Toeloop, steps out of the 3Flip, singles out of both 2Axels and doubles out of the 3Loop. Score: 95.30 -> 158.04.

Wow! That's my reaction to Kaori Sakamoto's free skate. Using the soundtrack of The Piano, she is flawless and simply breathtaking. Again, watch her palms from beginning to end next time and you will notice the running theme of the choreography. Score: 142.61 -> 213.90.

As good as Kaori was, Satoko Miyahara is absolutely brilliant. Some of the elements are so perfectly aligned with the music, it's unbelievable. She's so good at communicating with the crowd and the judges during her transitions, completely in control of their attention. Score: 145.85 -> 219.71.

Satoko being greeted by Japanese fans
Photo: Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images North America

Sofia Samodurova is quite emotional at the end of her routine, but it's because of how good she was. You can tell she likes the soundtrack of Burlesque because she lip-syncs to the songs during the step sequence. As I've said before, that always make a positive difference. Score: 134.29 -> 198.70.

Things have gone down in a very similar fashion to my predictions. Japan takes the gold and the silver with Satoko and Kaori, while Sofia goes home with the bronze medal. Thrilled for all of them, as well as Bradie Tennell, who finished fourth, but had a marvellous performance.

Quote of the competition:



Want to know what else happened at Skate America 2018?
Ice Dance Final

Rhythmic Dance

Ladies SP

Men Final

Pairs Final

Men SP

Pairs SP


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