Who Do You Think Will Opt Out of Worlds?

[Frau Muller]

Yeah maybe s/b will be as high as 5th! The apparent ceiling for Russia number one now. B/s fifth at worlds and Olympics so either fifth was as high as it gets for them or maybe s/b will do worse? Or better?

Ummmm...don’t be surprised if Step/Bukin get on the podium at Worlds. They’re hungry after what happened. Russian Dance will be back in full swing, I bet.

 

[Erin]

The skaters/teams who have officially opted out of Worlds or are not listed in the initial entry lists published on Feb. 28 (among those who competed at Olympics) are:

MEN
Javier Fernandez ESP (no replacement)
Patrick Chan CAN (Nam Nguyen)
Adam Rippon USA (Jason Brown)
Han Yan CHN (no replacement)
Chafik Besseghier FRA (Romain Ponsart)
Jun Hwan Cha KOR (Jinseo Kim)
Yaroslav Paniot UKR (Ivan Pavlov)
ETA: Jorik Hendrickx (no replacement) - credit to @shah for noticing his name is missing from the list

Also Felipe Montoya was at the Olympics but is not going to Worlds, as he doesn't have the minimums. Javier Raya is going - I don't recall whether he was originally named or if he is replacing one of Montoya/Fernandez.

 

[MIsty Blades/Skate Mom]

Glad to see Jason. Too bad about Jorik, do you think his brother Jimi is available (kidding)? For the women, I like watching Laurine and her costume change. I like Wakaba too.

The skaters/teams who have officially opted out of Worlds or are not listed in the initial entry lists published on Feb. 28 (among those who competed at Olympics) are:

MEN
Adam Rippon USA (Jason Brown)
ETA: Jorik Hendrickx (no replacement) - credit to @shah for noticing his name is missing from the entry list

LADIES
Mae-Berenice Meite FRA (Laurine Lecavelier)
Kaori Sakamoto JPN (Wakaba Higuchi - was named originally)

 

[Sylvia]

Also Felipe Montoya was at the Olympics but is not going to Worlds, as he doesn't have the minimums. Javier Raya is going - I don't recall whether he was originally named or if he is replacing one of Montoya/Fernandez.

An article in Spanish published on Feb. 20 stated: "Javier Raya will be the only Spanish representative in the individual category. [Spot of Javier] Fernández can not be used by Felipe Montoya because he has the world minimum of the long program, but the short one has expired."
(Montoya competed at Challenge Cup in The Hague this past weekend -- skaters' last chance for Worlds minimums -- but was well below the SP minimum of 34.)

 

[Seerek]

Does that mean Pavlov was always assigned for Worlds instead of Paniot? Ponsart instead of Besseghier? Or are not sure the full details?

 

[caseyedwards]

Ummmm...don’t be surprised if Step/Bukin get on the podium at Worlds. They’re hungry after what happened. Russian Dance will be back in full swing, I bet.

They still need much higher goe and PCs even if they are hungry to medal. It’s doubtful. Judges need to cooperate: it’s not like they can just get 9’s and +3

 

[jlai]

But C/L are close in both categories; their lifts are strong. And in all honesty, C/L have far better performance quality and storytelling ability. They also have, IMO, much better programs than C/B.

C/L has been skating to the same program for years. Of course the performance is better.

I am not a fan of Imagine, but feel like C/B was trying something different

 

[alchemy void]

They still need much higher goe and PCs even if they are hungry to medal. It’s doubtful. Judges need to cooperate: it’s not like they can just get 9’s and +3

S/B will never escape the scrutiny of the Belbins! 5th is probably their ceiling this year!

 

[caseyedwards]

S/B will never escape the scrutiny of the Belbins! 5th is probably their ceiling this year!

Being number one or presumptive number ones does mean more scrutiny and harsher judging!

 

[Frau Muller]

They still need much higher goe and PCs even if they are hungry to medal. It’s doubtful. Judges need to cooperate: it’s not like they can just get 9’s and +3

They were on their way at Euros. If any set of judges can “cooperate” it’s the Ex-USSR blok.

 

[Dobre]

Euros were in Russia. Worlds are in Italy.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Glad to see Jason. Too bad about Jorik, do you think his brother Jimi is available (kidding)? For the women, I like watching Laurine and her costume change. I like Wakaba too.

Wait sorry Ive been so busy lately..

Why isn't Jorik going?? DOnt tell me he is done...

What about Loena????

 

[Stephori]

Maybe there shouldn't be a Worlds in an Olympic year??

 

[RoseRed]

Maybe there shouldn't be a Worlds in an Olympic year??

Can't do that. Worlds determines spots for next year's Worlds, and also guarantees skaters multiple GP assignments. They can't use the Olympics instead because the field is more restricted than Worlds.

 

[seabm7]

Why did he withdraw from Juniors? Does anyone know?

I think Sylvia guessed the correct reason.

 

[Andrey aka Pushkin]

I love C/L, but can they really get past all three of H/D, C/B, and W/P? Even with home Worlds inflation I'm not sure they're at that point. They got their "farewell present" in 2014 IMO.

Hey!
There are always "and now, let's thank our lovely hosts for this celebration of figure skating" medals, it's about time some of my favorites benefit from it!

 

[topaz]

But C/L are close in both categories; their lifts are strong. And in all honesty, C/L have far better performance quality and storytelling ability. They also have, IMO, much better programs than C/B.

I agree with performance quality but I really like C/B FD. Imagine is a wonderful program and more emotional for me. I like it better than "Life is Beautiful". If Chock/Bates perform "Imagine" FD like they did at US Nationals, I believe they could overtake C/L.

 

[Bellanca]

C&L, they are a team that one should never count out. They have an incredible knack of putting themselves squarely in the mix and right back into the conversation when it is least expected. A successful somewhat off the radar team. I am curious to see what their next move will be and where they will go from here.

 

[meggonzo]

Wait sorry Ive been so busy lately..

Why isn't Jorik going?? DOnt tell me he is done...

What about Loena????

Loena is on the entry list.

 

[Sylvia]

Why isn't Jorik going?? DOnt tell me he is done...

My understanding is that Jorik Hendrickx is taking time off to rest/heal his body after a grueling season.

I assume Cha may have WD from Junior Worlds in order to rest his body/recover fully for next season.

I think Sylvia guessed the correct reason.

I saw that s_parks posted in Jun Hwan Cha's Fan Fest thread at GS that he (like Jorik) is resting/healing and reportedly "will return to Canada in April to train."

 

[IloveFS]

I agree with performance quality but I really like C/B FD. Imagine is a wonderful program and more emotional for me. I like it better than "Life is Beautiful". If Chock/Bates perform "Imagine" FD like they did at US Nationals, I believe they could overtake C/L.

I really hope CB retire... They just aren't improving....

 

[IloveFS]

Ummmm...don’t be surprised if Step/Bukin get on the podium at Worlds. They’re hungry after what happened. Russian Dance will be back in full swing, I bet.

I love Stepanova and Bukin. I think over the next four years they will give PC some fierce competition. They are superb!

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I really hope CB retire... They just aren't improving....

LOL, just fast forward them if thats your sentiment.

Geesh,

They freaking ROCK.. they beat all USA teams in Free Dance at Nats. (Define aren't improving). They are always at GPF. (Define aren't improving)

They had 2 unfortunate mishaps at Worlds and Olys.

But if you hope for someone to retire just fast forward them...I mean.....

Id rather just have empathy and compassion for them... but who needs that I guess. lol

 

[Bellanca]

'Tis the season, after worlds, especially, that fans like to retire people. A fruitless exercise, imho.

 

[Debbie S]

Per social media, it looks like Mirai is in L.A. today, trying on potential dresses for the Oscars. I would not be shocked if she w/d from Worlds.

 

[kwanfan1818]

Nagasu tweeted yesterday:

BREAKING NEWS: @accessonline is taking me to the Oscars. From the Olympics to the red carpet, I can’t wait to share my journey with you guys!​

​

While she many not compete at Worlds, there are rinks in Southern California, and it shouldn't take her that long to find a dress.

 

[suki]

I love Stepanova and Bukin. I think over the next four years they will give PC some fierce competition. They are superb!

Not unless Stepanova improves. I agree with Caseyedwards that the higher they climb, the greater the judging scrutiny. IMHO she is one of the weakest female ice dancers. He carries the team.

 

[skatepixie]

Not unless Stepanova improves. I agree with Caseyedwards that the higher they climb, the greater the judging scrutiny. IMHO she is one of the weakest female ice dancers. He carries the team.

Ditch her and skate with Elena?

 

[Lizziebeth]

Ditch her and skate with Elena?

I thought he already skated with Elena years ago, unless I am crazy and remembering it all wrong.

 

[Sylvia]

Announcement from NISA (ignore the "Synchronised" in the headline): http://www.iceskating.org.uk/index....ating-championships-2018-selection-amendment/

Following a very successful outcome at the PyeongChang2018 Olympic Winter Games, Penny and Nick will not be taking part in the World Championships next month in order to give Penny the opportunity to fully rehabilitate her knee.
This means Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are selected as NISA / GBR representatives for Ice Dance. Lilah and Lewis also achieved the Olympic Winter Games qualifying score and are relishing the opportunity to compete on the World stage following very successful recent performances in Bavaria and Torun.
Nick and Penny, and the rest of NISA, wish Lilah and Lewis all the very best!

Thanks to @victorskid for posting the news and link in the Kiss & Cry section.