The scores for Adelina Sotnikova and Kim Yu-na were close for most of their long program elements. But Sotnikova took a significant lead in a few areas. Adam Leib, a coach and national technical specialist for U.S. Figure Skating, analyzes the performances.
Double-Triple Combination
Sotnikova’s combination had a much higher base value because she chose to do the most difficult double jump, the double axel. She received high marks for her good flow, height and distance. She added a 10 percent bonus by executing the combination in the second half of the program.
Triple toe
Double axel
The double jump Kim chose is one of the easiest, so it has a low base value. The entry was simple, and the jump ended with little speed.
Triple
salchow
Double toe
Where Sotnikova Scored Higher
Element |
Sotnikova’s Points |
Kim’s Points |
Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-triple combination | 9.94 |
6.50 |
+3.44 |
| Footwork | 5.60 |
4.44 |
+1.16 |
| Layback spin | 3.77 |
3.04 |
+0.73 |
| Three-jump combination | 8.34 |
7.83 |
+0.51 |
| Change-foot combination spin | 4.71 |
4.21 |
+0.50 |
| Triple salchow | 5.82 |
5.52 |
+0.30 |
| Triple flip | 6.80 |
6.50 |
+0.30 |
| Double axel | 4.70 |
4.42 |
+0.28 |
| Flying combination spin | 4.56 |
4.43 |
+0.13 |
Where Kim Scored Higher
Element |
Sotnikova’s Points |
Kim’s Points |
Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional triple | 6.70 |
7.60 |
+0.90 |
| Triple lutz-triple toe | 11.10 |
11.70 |
+0.60 |
| Skating skill and artistry | 74.41 |
74.50 |
+0.09 |
Footwork and Layback Spin
On two elements, the footwork and the layback spin, Sotnikova had a difficulty level of 4, while Kim had a level 3. This meant that Kim had nearly a point deficit in the base value for the two elements combined. In her layback spin, Sotnikova changed positions with ease while maintaining speed and intensity, and the judges rewarded her with higher marks. She received nearly two points more than Kim did for the two elements.
