Figure skatingChipeur looking to break through at Cup of Russia

Beginning of Story Content

One of those aiming for a berth is American Jeremy Abbott. He’s fresh from a spectacular win and personal best scores in the short, free and overall point total at the Cup of China two weeks ago. He’s getting ready to do the same thing all over again in Moscow.

Although there are some big names competing in Russia, like 2007 world champion Frenchman Brian Joubert and 2008 European champion from the Czech Republic, Tomas Verner, neither skater has been a real threat in their first Grand Prix events.

Abbott’s real competition could come from France’s Alban Preaubert, the bronze medallist from the Trophee Eric Bompard. He also needs to keep an eye on Canadian Vaughn Chipeur. Chipeur typically makes a strong showing in his short program and now he needs to do that with his free program.

It would be wonderful to see Fumie Suguri of Japan put together two solid programs and walk away with the ladies crown here. She has amazing height and speed into her jumps and has ranked as high as second in the world in 2006. The likelihood of any of the women in this field putting together two solid programs is unlikely. The reigning world silver medallist, Carolina Kostner of Italy, and American Alissa Czisny certainly have the quality and ability, but will need to make the performances happen.

In pairs, the victorious Chinese team of Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang demonstrated quality short and free programs and a new sense of connection on the ice at the Cup of China, their first Grand Prix of the season. The silver medallists in China, Ukrainians Tatiana Volosozhar and Stanislav Morozov, will be looking to try and challenge the Chinese for the top spot. Also skating in Moscow are the Russian team of Yuko Kawaguchi and Alexander Smirnov whose swan inspired short program is a superb mix of choreography and character, both of which were sorely lacking in their free skate. Time will tell if they went home and got themselves more together for the event this weekend.

Although Moscow will play host to a strong field in ice dancing, it isn’t filled with the most interesting skaters or programs. The exception is the American team of Meryl Davis and Charlie White. It’s not that they are expected to win here, but their light and whimsical original dance and interesting free dance were standouts at Skate Canada. They are also the only dance team in the Grand Prix series so far to have won all three of their competition segments on the way to their gold medal. The heavy favourites here are the Russian teams of Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin and Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitski.

Pj’s Picks:

Men: Jeremy Abbott (USA)
Ladies: Fumie Suguri (JPN)
Pairs: Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang (CHN)
Dance: Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin (RUS)

End of Story Content

Back to accessibility links