Interesting, so it's sort of a Japan Open-style competition format with only the free skates counting toward the Team Challenge Cup overall prize....and a separate segment for the short program.
And all in all, a unique format with substantial differences from the Sochi team event, from WTT, and from the Japan Open.
Haven't looked at all the documentation yet, but two inter-related things I'm wondering about:
- No mention of prize money? Or did I miss it?
- Top-ranked skaters will be "invited," but I wonder if ISU has any leverage if a top-ranked skater declines the invitation?
- Top-ranked skaters will be "invited," but I wonder if ISU has any leverage if a top-ranked skater declines the invitation?[/INDENT]
Total prize money is $500,000. It doesn't mention how it will be split though.
They seemed to have leverage (something about not being able to skate in shows) for WTT, so I assumes the same applies here. What is the official acronym, TCC?
The money aspect alone will make it compelling to participate, me thinks, especially for those in Team North America.
The money aspect alone will make it compelling to participate, me thinks, especially for those in Team North America.
Huge question--- so I wonder when they refer to ISU World Rankings...are they talking the ISU Season Rankings? Cause that's the only reference to rankings. The overall standings...doing use the ranking terminology.
FYI for diehards, today's announcement will be streamed by KHQ, a local Spokane news channel site. 11:45 am Pacific time.
The article that mentions the streaming (this link is not for the streaming itself):
ETA, the STREAMING link for the announcement:
(LOL, earlier today, KHQ was live streaming the Pope at the White House. From the sublime to the ??? ...]
I have no idea whether all the team captains will be announced today .
Presumably a USFS press release will be forthcoming today ... as well as a flurry of coverage/mentions by Spokane media and figure skating reporters.
https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/646724352881246208 #TeamChallengeCupBut how much/little information will be announced today (other than Spokane's selection as the site) remains to be seen.
Glad that attending another comp this season is in your future, Chris .
I like the rule that the top two cannot both be from the same country. Otherwise the ladies competition would just be USA versus Russia versus Japan.
Detail about the exhibition:
The exhibition will feature 24 performances from Team Challenge Cup competitors and invited guests.
http://www.teamchallengecup.com.prod.sportngin.com/format[/INDENT]