2003 ISU Grand Prix Final

28 February

Men, Short Program

Brian Joubert (FRA), 2003 European silver medalists
I didn’t have enough speed going into my triple Axel. But I think my step sequences and my spins were good. This Final is a new experience for me. It’s a difficult competition and I still have to discover it. I’ll know more about it by tomorrow.

Chengjiang Li (CHN), 2003 Four Continents bronze medalist
I felt very tired. I didn’t come to practise this morning to have some rest.

Min Zhang (CHN), 2003 Four Continents silver medalist
It was a hurry for me to get here. The information that I would compete here came very late. I think I could have done better if I had enough time to prepare. I felt tired after being on the plane yesterday, and there is also a five hour time difference (to China). After the Four Continents, I only had two days rest.

Evgeni Plushenko (RUS), 2002 Olympic silver medalist
This is a tough format for a competition. It’s difficult to do the Short and the Free Program today and another Free Program tomorrow. It would be better and more interesting for the spectators to skate a Short, a Free and an Interpretative program. My legs felt a bit shaky today.

Ilia Klimkin (RUS), 1999 World Junior Champion
I felt a lot of pressure. The competition is at home, in Russia, and everybody is expecting miracles, that we win everything. Then there is also the pressure of having to compete again tonight. My back started to hurt again, from an old injury, and I was sick with a cold and fever prior to this event, so I’m not in my best shape, but I will try to give my best.

Alexander Abt (RUS), 2002 European silver medalist

Coach Elena Tchaikovskaya: Sasha skated with confidence today. He two-footed the quad, but that can happen. It’s a shame for the triple Axel, he could have done it clean, but he was a bit afraid. He is just coming back from a severe injury (ankle). The triple Lutz and all the other elements were excellent.