Grand Prix Final Countdown: The Ladies

This is a new figure skating blog named after the Legendary Figure Skater Dick Button.  Of course Uncle Dick would never do a Flutz, but it's fun to do a play on words and I'm sure he'd get a laugh or two out of it.

The ladies short program will be this Friday Dec. 9th.  The Grand Prix Event tv times are here.

The Grand Prix Final is almost here, it's exciting to say the least, but more importantly the talk is about who ISN'T going to be there.  Russia's own Adelina Sotnikova did not make it to the GPF unlike her Russian teammate Elizaveta Tuktamysheva.  Maybe it is for the best however as it is sort of embarressing Adelina's music and ending pose is stolen straight from Mao...

I have to say this year is going to be much better than most years, especially considering we won't have to deal with the likes of skaters like Rachael Flatt (who by the way recently got quite the bashing by the legendary Alexei Urmanov just check FSU for the interview post #629).  I have to say Alexei Urmanov was being so disrespectful commenting on Rachael's weight.  I mean yeah her skating isn't fun to watch, but to comment on her not being in shape is just rude.  It's not like Alexei was in that great of shape spin wise, I mean did you see his spins in Lillehammer?

Let's look back at the ladies who made the GPF.
In no particular order:

Mao Asada:
Not a fan of the SP 'outfit', hope she changes it to a skirt for the GPF or at least for worlds.  Mao has said she will upgrade later in the season although I doubt we will see the triple axel at the gpf, we might see a 3/3 attempt.

Carolina Kostner:
After doing three grand prix events will she be burnt out?




Akiko Suzuki:
The elder Japanese skater has been doing wonderfully the last few years, hopefully she will FINALLY be recognized by the judges at this years Japan Nationals.



Alena Leonova:
One of the sloppiest skaters Russia has to offer actually made it to the GPF.  This says a lot as she was not expected to be at the top with the likes of Adelina and Ksenia, but since they faltered, were are stuck with her...

Elizaveta  Tuktamysheva AKA Queen TUT:
Making her senior debut, Elizaveta did not look one bit nervous (unlike Adelina).  Is this a forecast of what the future will bring or is it just her youth that has eluded her nerves?

Queen Tut will most likely be the only skater to fully rotate rhw 3lutz/3toe at the gpf.

Alissa Czisny:
She probably will attempt her 3lutz/3toe here but chances are it won't be fully rotated.  

  Alissa's La Valse Triste is a beautiful program, but I much prefer the Japan Open version with the white dress:

Just for fun what are your predictions for the ladies?
Be sure to come back for updates on the men, pairs and dance.