It's time to see the "best of the best" compete head-to-head for the first time this season! Earlier last week, Gracie Gold announced her withdrawal from this competition, due to a foot injury and has been replaced by Japan's Rika Hongo. Gold could've challenged for a podium spot, but now it looks like Russia will claim the medals.
Gold- She's dominated this early season, and I see no reason that that wouldn't continue- I'm picking Elena Radionova to win gold here. She's carrying a lot of momentum to this event and I think that she's still hungry for a big international win. Her short program is not as strong as her free, so she may be behind after that segment of the competition, but her point-packed long program should carry her to the top of the field. Silver- I see Elizaveta Tuktamysheva continuing her wonderful comeback season with a silver medal in the Grand Prix final. She has wonderful jumping technique and her programs this year truly suit her style. I look for her to put down two clean skates, but falling short of Radionova, point-wise. A silver medal here will really prove her consistency this season and give her a boost for the Russian nationals. Bronze- This one could really be a toss up between the two other Russian ladies. I know Anna Pogorilaya has had the better season mathematically, but I look for Julia Lipnitskya to improve on her season and grab the bronze medal here. She's posted the highest short program score of all of the ladies this season, and her long program has major potential. She has much better presentation skills than Pogorilaya and I look for those marks to pull her onto the podium. Other Entrants: Anna Pogorilaya could definitely challenge for a podium spot with her high-scoring jumping passes. She needs some polish and to connect with her music more fully, but she has the technical ability to medal with a pair of clean skates. Ashley Wagner should look to build consistency at this competition. I think she lacks the technical points to challenge for a medal, but I think its important for her to have two clean skates here to gear up for Nationals. Rika Hongo lacks the polish and skills to be at the top of this competition, but its a huge opportunity for her to gain some international exposure.
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November 2017
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