2016 Rostelecom Cup: Men & Ice Dance Preview
SYWTW FS
The third Grand Prix event of the season will take place in Moscow, Russia this week! Here’s a look at some of the top competitors in the men’s and ice dance fields.
MEN
The biggest draw of the men’s field at Rostelecom Cup is no doubt the battle between reigning and 2-time World Champion Javier Fernandez of Spain, and newly-crowned Skate America champion Shoma Uno of Japan. Javier will skate at his first Grand Prix of the season, while Shoma is at his second event and will be on the hunt for a medal and a coveted spot at the Grand Prix Final in December. But never forget that ice is slippery, and if the favorites should falter, other talents in this field could grab a spot on the podium or the title itself. Fourth at Worlds last season after a shocking breakthrough out of nowhere, Mikhail Kolyada will skate for the Russian home audience, while Max Aaron of the USA seeks to improve his standing in an increasingly deep field both at home and on the international stage.
JAVIER FERNANDEZ
Representing: Spain
Age: 25
ISU personal bests: SP 102.54, FS 216.41, total 314.93
Notable titles: 2016 & 2015 World Champion, 2-time World Bronze Medalist, 4-time European Champion, 2-time Grand Prix Final Silver Medalist
Programs: SP - Malaguena; FS - Elvis Presley Medley
Javier (or “Javi”, as he’s known to fans) is a trailblazer for figure skating in Spain, a country not known for its background in the sport. A national hero, the list of his “firsts” for Spanish skating is too long to count. Born and raised in Madrid, Javi started skating at the age of six and in 2010, became the first skater to represent Spain at a Winter Olympic Games since 1956. Although he languished in relative obscurity in his early senior years - he finished 35th at his first World Championships in 2007 and did not qualify for the free skate - Javi had a huge breakout season in 2011-12 after switching coaches to Brian Orser, a former Olympic silver medalist from Canada. With improved choreography, presentation, and consistency on his jumps, Javi qualified for the 2011 Grand Prix Final and won the bronze medal there. His career has steadily and rapidly climbed since then - in the past few years, he has established himself as one of the top men’s skaters in the world, winning four European titles, two World bronze medals and two World titles. As the two-time and reigning World Champion, Javi is the favorite coming into Rostelecom Cup and should win the competition if he produces strong skates, but with newly-minted Skate America champion Shoma Uno nipping at his heels, he’ll have to make sure to avoid major errors at his first Grand Prix of the season. He has struggled with consistency in the past, but got his season off to a strong start at Japan Open, where he debuted his free skate to a second-place finish behind Shoma.
Javi is known for his quad jumps, especially his quadruple salchows. He is capable of garnering huge Grades of Execution for the quality of his jumps when he lands them. He will attempt two quads in his short program and three in his free skate at Rostelecom. Fans love his charming personality on the ice and penchant for playing characters in his programs, as well as his entertaining exhibitions (especially Aerobics Class). He trains with Yuzuru Hanyu, the 2014 Olympic Champion, under the same coaching team. They are friendly rivals and often goof around together. Javi is currently dating Miki Ando, a two-time ladies’ World Champion from Japan. They post many cute photos on their instagramaccounts.
SHOMA UNO
Representing: Japan
Age: 18
ISU personal bests: SP 92.99, FS 190.32, total 279.34
Notable titles: 2015 Grand Prix Final Bronze Medalist, 2015 Junior World Champion, 2-time Japanese National Silver Medalist, 2016 Skate America Champion
Programs: SP - Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra (from Ladies in Lavender); FS - Buenos Aires Hora Cero/Balada para un loco
Fresh off a gold medal at Skate America, young phenom Shoma Uno is making a push for the very top echelons of the men’s field, and he could win Rostelecom Cup as well if he skates cleanly and Javier makes mistakes. After two Grand Prix events, Shoma currently holds the highest men’s free skate and total scores of the season. With his combination of excellent skating skills, artistry and performance ability, and greatly improved jumps - including the quad flip, which no one in the world had cleanly landed before him - Shoma poses a serious threat to the status quo. However, he is not invulnerable to mistakes himself, and with only two weeks between Skate America and Rostelecom Cup and all the travel in between, Shoma will need to rely on his conditioning to produce strong performances at Rostelecom Cup. Although he defeated Javier Fernandez in the free skate earlier this season at Japan Open, his weakness is almost always the short program, and he will need to avoid putting himself at a disadvantage after the short if he hopes to win. If he can produce relatively good performances, Shoma should win a medal at Rostelecom and clinch a spot at the Grand Prix Final for the second season in a row.
MAX AARON
Representing: USA
Age: 24
ISU personal bests: SP 87.03, FS 172.86, total 258.95
Notable titles: 2013 US National Champion, 2016 US National Silver Medalist, 2015 Skate America Champion
Programs: SP - Nessun Dorma (from Turandot); FS - The Lion King
Best known for his strong jumps, Max has been on the US National podium every year since his surprise National title in 2013, and has placed within the top 10 at the World Championships three times. However, his low Program Component Scores have kept him from truly breaking into the top tier of the men’s field even when he lands his jumps. Max has worked with choreographer Phillip Mills in recent seasons in an effort to improve his artistry and presentation, with mixed results. His Lion King free skate this season features some unusual remixes and music cuts. Max will be looking for a podium finish at Rostelecom in order to solidify his status as one of the USA’s top men. With rivals at home continually upping the game, a medal here would help Max as he looks towards US Nationals and the fight for a spot on the World team.
Max played hockey as a child and originally took up figure skating to improve his skating skills. He trains in Colorado Springs with Tom Zakrajsek, alongside 2016 Four Continents Silver Medalist Mirai Nagasu. He began his 2016-17 season with two bronze medal finishes at Lombardia Trophy and Autumn Classic International.
MIKHAIL KOLYADA
Representing: Russia
Age: 21
ISU personal bests: SP 89.66, FS 178.31, total 267.97
Notable titles: 2016 Russian National Silver Medalist
Programs: SP - Nightingale Tango; FS - La rêve de la fiancée/À la lune
Although he had some success on the junior level in the past, Mikhail’s high placements last season came completely out of the blue for most skating fans. Building consistency throughout the fall season on the 2015 Challenger Series, Mikhail made the Russian National podium for the first time with a second-place finish and was named to Russia’s 2016 European and World teams. He continued his breakout season with a 5th-place finish at Europeans and an even more shocking 4th-place finish at the World Championships, only a few points off the podium. This season, Mikhail will seek to continue his upward trend, skating in front of a home crowd at Rostelecom Cup. He has the technical goods to make the podium or even win the competition if other skaters falter, but it will come down to how everyone skates on the day. Mikhail started his season at Finlandia Trophy, where he placed fourth.
KEIJI TANAKA
Representing: Japan
Age: 21
ISU personal bests: SP 74.82, FS 161.16, total 234.90
Notable titles: 2011 Junior World Silver Medalist, 2013 Japanese Junior National Champion, 2016 Asian Open Trophy Champion
Programs: SP - Primavera Porteña; FS - Federico Fellini Soundtrack Medley
Hopes were high for Keiji after he won the silver medal at the 2011 Junior World Championships, but inconsistency and injuries in the years after left him unable to fulfill his potential. His senior debut got off to a rough start in the 2014-15 season, but Keiji pulled himself together to have a minor breakthrough last season, placing 5th at 2015 NHK Trophy, 4th at Japanese Nationals and 6th at the 2016 Four Continents Championships. Though he is unlikely to win a medal at Rostelecom, he’ll be looking to continue his momentum this season with strong skates on the Grand Prix. Keiji is prone to popping his jumps (doing fewer rotations than planned) and former coach Anthony Liu once dubbed him a “popstar” for this habit. He’ll have to defeat his nemesis, pops, in order to place well at his competitions this season. Keiji is currently working on including two quadruple salchows in his free skate, though he has not yet attempted them both in competition. He won the 2016 Asian Open Trophy title earlier this season with fairly strong skates.
Keiji looks up to 2010 World Champion Daisuke Takahashi and 2014 World Silver Medalist Tatsuki Machida. He was born in the same city as Daisuke, Kurashiki, and began skating in the same rink where Daisuke first learned to skate. Keiji is good friends with Shoma Uno, having competed with him in juniors, and often looks out for his younger teammate at competitions.
Other skaters to watch:
Deniss Vasiljevs (LAT): 2016 Youth Olympic Silver Medalist, making his senior Grand Prix debut at Rostelecom. Known for his fun personality, performance ability, unique spin positions, and great skating skills. Currently working on including quads in his programs, but could surprise for a high finish even with lower technical content if he’s on. Recently became the very first full-time student of the fan favorite, 2-time World Champion Stephane Lambiel, who is known for his artistry and work as a choreographer.
Artur Dmitriev (RUS): 2015 Ice Challenge Champion. Good jumps when he’s on, but struggles with consistency.
Elladj Balde (CAN): 2015 Nebelhorn Trophy Champion. An engaging performer, could place well if he lands his jumps. Elladj was born in Russia and is half-Russian, half-Guinean. He speaks three languages (English, French, Russian).
Alexei Bychenko (ISR): 2016 European Silver Medalist, the first representing Israel. Could also place well if he’s on, but will depend on consistency.
ICE DANCE
With three top teams locking horns here at Rostelecom Cup, ice dance is sure to be an exciting and unpredictable event. Coming fresh off their great performances and silver medals at 2016 Skate Canada are Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the USA - however, having only a week between Grand Prix events could affect their performance. Making their first Grand Prix appearance of the season are 2014 and 2015 Grand Prix Final Champions Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje of Canada, who are looking to start their season with a win in order to re-establish their position as a top ice dance team after heartbreaking Worlds performances two seasons in a row. Performing in front of the home crowd are the Russians Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev, who finished third at the 2016 Skate America. Each team will bring their own strengths and styles to the table, and ice dance will definitely be a nail-biting battle to keep an eye on.
KAITLYN WEAVER / ANDREW POJE
Representing: Canada
Ages: 27/29
ISU personal bests: SD 73.14, FD 110.18, total 182.93
Notable titles: 2014 World Silver Medalists, 2015 World Bronze Medalists, 2-time Grand Prix Final Champions, 2-time Four Continents Champions, 2-time Canadian National Champions
Programs: SD - The Way You Make Me Feel/Michael Jackson Medley; FD - Concierto de Aranjuez
Formerly overshadowed by 2010 Olympic Champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir within Canada, Kaitlyn and Andrew have recently risen to be one of the top ice dance teams in the world, placing on podiums consistently since the 2013-14 season. Their golden streak during the 2014-15 season saw them become 2014 Grand Prix Final Champions and 2014 Four Continents Champions for the first time in their careers, but mistakes in the short dance at the 2015 World Championships resulted in an upset by Gabriella Papadakis/Guillaume Cizeron of France, and Weaver/Poje had to settle for bronze. During the 2015-16 season, Kaitlyn and Andrew started off strong with what appeared to be another golden streak, winning both of their Grand Prix events and the 2015 Grand Prix Final. However, their results began to slip as they struggled with their complicated free dance “Bitter Earth,” and they placed third at 2016 Four Continents and a shocking 5th at the 2016 World Championships. With the ice dance field becoming increasingly crowded at the top with the return of Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Kaitlyn and Andrew will be looking for a victory at Rostelecom Cup to solidify their standing. During the off season, they made some changes to their coaching team, deciding to work with Nikolai Morozov on their new programs. It remains to be seen how these changes will help or harm their standing. With Madison Chock/Evan Bates hot on their heels and poised for a win after a fantastic showing at 2016 Skate Canada, Kaitlyn and Andrew must be nearly perfect in order to win the title here.
Among fans, Kaitlyn and Andrew are loved for their friendliness, chemistry on ice, and their strong technical skills. Kaitlyn is best friends with 2014 Olympic Pairs Silver Medalist Ksenia Stolbova and other international figure skaters. Kaitlyn and Andrew are also known for their magnificent hair, as well as their good looks.
MADISON CHOCK / EVAN BATES
Representing: USA
Ages: 24/27
ISU personal bests: SD 74.47, FD 113.31, total 185.77
Notable titles: 2016 World Bronze Medalists, 2015 World Silver Medalists, 2-time Grand Prix Final Silver Medalists, 2-time Four Continents Silver Medalists, 2015 US National Champions
Programs: SD - Bad to the Bone/Uptown Funk; FD - Under Pressure
After a very strong showing at Skate Canada where they surprised hometown favorites Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir to win the free skate and the silver medal overall, Madison and Evan will be looking for at least another silver at Rostelecom Cup in order to qualify for the Grand Prix Final. Their unorthodox music choices and fun programs, combined with solid technical skills, were a hit with the Skate Canada audience. At Rostelecom Cup, Madison and Evan will face off against another Canadian team, Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, and might just come out on top, given another set of strong performances. However, with only a few days to switch gears for Moscow, their performances could be affected by the hectic schedule.
EKATERINA BOBROVA / DMITRI SOLOVIEV
Representing: Russia
Ages: 26/27
ISU personal bests: SD 71.04, FD 107.80, total 178.84
Notable titles: 2013 World Bronze Medalists, 2013 European Champions, 4-time European Medalists, 5-time Russian National Champions
Programs: SD - Mercy on Me/Sing Sing Sing, FS - Prelude No.20/The Four Seasons
Ekaterina and Dmitri had a solid showing at Skate America, finishing in third place. They will need at least a silver medal at Rostelecom Cup in order to have a chance at qualifying for the Grand Prix Final. If they can produce two perfect programs and benefit from the support of the home crowd, they could conceivably challenge Weaver/Poje and Chock/Bates for the title. With the event taking place in Russia, an upset is definitely possible.
Other skaters to watch:
Charlene Guignard/Marco Fabbri (ITA): 6-time Italian National Silver Medalists. Charlene and Marco have been climbing the world rankings steadily since teaming up in 2010. They ended last season with a career high 10th place finish at 2016 Worlds. At 2016 Skate America, they finished fourth with solid skates.
Tiffany Zahorski/Jonathan Guerreiro (RUS): 2016 Ondrej Nepela Memorial Trophy Bronze Medalists, 2016 Finlandia Trophy Bronze Medalists. Teamed up in 2014 and making their Grand Prix debut together at Rostelecom. Tiffany previously skated for France.