Music information updated

The music and program information has been updated.

Sascha Abt on Russian Tour until June

Sascha Abt is busy touring with Ilia Averbukh's "Ice Symphony" (Russian Stars on Ice) until June 9. In Riga, he performed very well to a lyrical program set to "I do it for you" by Bryan Adams from the Robin Hood soundtrack and with the upbeat "Gasolina" by Daddy Yankee that really got the crowd going. Sascha hit effortless triple toes in both numbers and impressed with his fast footwork and gorgeous skating skills.

Sascha enjoys the tour a lot. "There is always a big crowd. I learned snowboarding in Krasnoiarsk and I'm now a real snowboard fan", he told his official homepage. "In Khabarovsk we played ice hockey and we beat the ice hockey players 7:3." On the other hand, Sascha misses his family. "I'm living like a gypsy and I haven't seen Lena and Makar in a while."

Sascha has moved back to New Jersey again. When he is home, he is coaching at the "Ice House" in Hackensack alongside with his wife Lena, Nikolai Morozov, Vakhtang Murvanidze and Roman Serov. "The cooperation with the director of the skating school, Craig Maurizi, is great. Makar has now started skating and is coached by Vakhtang, and sometimes even by Kolia (Morozov)", Sascha said. Sascha will go to New Jersey during the break of the Russian tour from April 30 to mid May. Then he'll join the tour again until June 9. As for the fall, his plans are not certain yet. He might go to Japan or to Russia again. For the full schedule of the Russian Tour and many photos please refer to  http://www.icesymphony.org

Sascha Abt in Russian Fairy Tale on Ice

Sascha Abt performed in a "elka" (Russian Christmas/New Year's festivity) in Moscow from January 2 to 7. Ilia Averbukh directed the fairy tale on ice called "Until the clock strikes midnight".

Sascha played the role of the evil magician "Mr. Cold" who froze a city and doesn't want New Year's eve to come.
He is assisted by snowstorm and wind (played by Elena Leonova/Andrei Khvalko). But with the help of a cat (Ilia Averbukh) two children find the snow maiden (Irina Lobatcheva) who, together with the Fire (Alexei Vasilievski), can stop the evil magic of Mr. Cold.

One of the highlights of the show was the final battle between Mr. Cold and the Cat. Of course, as fairy tales go, the bad guy looses, and the children win.
(Thanks Olja and Anja for the information)

Fotos from this year's St. Petersburg show

Enjoy new pictures of Sascha, taken during the Russian Tour in St. Petersburg. Thanks to the photographer Svetlana Fiodorova.

Alexander Abt featured in "International Figure Skating"

"International Figure Skating" features Sascha Abt in their newest issue (January/February 05) which just has been published.

For further information please refer to:
http://www.ifsmagazine.com

Sascha Project V by Irene started

Irene, one of the most dedicated fans of Sascha Abt, has started her "Project V" in order to promote Sascha with international tour organizers. Fans are asked to write personal letters to the organizers of shows and tours such as Stars on Ice, Art on Ice, IMG etc.

"The response from Stars on Ice proves that chances are not bad that Sascha might be invited if many fans write letters", Irene states. For further information, please join Irene's news group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Alexander-Abt/

Sascha Abt performed in Moscow and will teach at "Pilgrim Ice Rink"

Sascha Abt put out two excellent performances at the show "Voskhozhdenie" (Going Up) on September 25 in the "Small Arena" of Luzhniki in Moscow. This show was dedicated to the Russian skaters who will perform at the Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, next February. It was a great show with a star studded field, and it was sold out completely.

Sascha skated to "Koni Priveredlivye" in the first and to "Satisfaction" in the second half of the show. He landed high and effortless looking triple toes in both numbers and just flew over the ice in his footwork. The crowd loved his performances and called him out for an encore.

Sasha told his official homepage that he now will coach at the "Pilgrim Ice Rink" near Boston. "Kostia (Konstantin Kostin) and I just moved from the Cape Cod ice rink to this one. There are three rinks and we have very good working conditions. I'm looking forward to teach there. Lena (his wife) is also teaching there, and Makar now goes to school, to the first class. He is enjoying it. We're living in Harwich now, but we're planning to move again to be closer to our new rink."

After the show in Moscow, Sascha went home to the USA for a few days but is scheduled to come back to Russia soon to join the fall tour of Irina Lobacheva's and Ilia Averbukh's "Ledovaia Simfonia" (Ice Symphony).

Sascha Abt to coach in Cape Cod

Sascha Abt has left Montclair in New Jersey and moved to Cape Cod on September 1. "I'll practice there and I'll train children. This is the ice rink where Nancy Kerrigan and Paul Wylie trained", Sascha said. "I really like it there. One of my best friends, Konstantin Kostin (who competed internationally
for Latvia), is there, and we'll work together."

Sascha Abt to skate in shows in Moscow and Russian tour this fall

Sascha Abt is scheduled to perform in the the show "Voskhozhdenie" ("Going up") on September 25, 2005 in Moscow in the "Malaia Arena" of the Luzhniki Sports Palace at 18.00 (6 pm).

This show is dedicated to the upcoming Olympic Games and will see eligible and non eligible top skaters from Russia such as Irina Slutskaia, Alexei Yagudin, Oksana Baiul, Berezhnaia/ Sikhuralidze, Petrova/Tikhonov, Totmianina/Marinin and many others.

For more information, please see: http://www.hotice.ru (Information in Russian only).

The tour of the "Ledovaia Simfonia" (Ice Symphony") will start just nine days later. Sascha will be part of the tour, as will other professional skaters. The cast includes Alexei Yagudin, Oksana Baiul, Berezhnaia/Sikhuralidze, Lobatcheva/Averbukh, Leonova/Khvalko and others.

The schedule of the tour is as follows:

• Murmansk (4 October)
• Krasnoiarsk (6 October)
• Ekaterinenburg (8 & 9 October)
• Ufa (11 October)
• Tcheliabinsk (12 October)
• Omsk (14 October)
• Novosibirsk (16 October)
• Saratov (19 October)
• Samara (20 October)
• Orenburg (21 October)
• Orsk (22 October)
• Krasnodar (24 October).

For more information and updates of the tour, please refer to http://www.hotice.ru.

New interview with Sascha Abt!

We're pleased to tell you that we published a new interview with Sascha in the interview section. Sascha talks about his new programs, the Russian tour, about his family and about the future of Russian skating. Read here >>>.

Sascha Abt at Russian Tour, Petersburg show

Sascha Abt had a busy spring with taking part in the Russian tour in April and May and performing in the St. Petersburg show on June 2nd and 3rd. The crowd received both his new programs "Koni Priveredlivye" (Fastidious Horses) and "Satisfaction" enthusiastically and called him out for many encores.

In St. Petersburg, Sascha skated only one program on both evenings ("Satisfaction"), to the dismay of his numerous fans. He proved to be in excellent shape during the shows and an injury that handicapped him during the tour fortunately was healed quickly.

He went home to New Jersey after the shows in St. Petersburg. "I haven't seen my wife and my son for a long time", he explained. But he came back to Russia soon as a guest of Evgeni Plushenko's wedding on June 18. Sascha's summer plans include teaching skating in a seminary organized by Konstantin Kostin on Cape Cod.

Sascha performed successfully at the German Winter tour

Enjoy new pictures of Sascha, taken during the Wintertour in Germany! Thanks to our photographers Birgit Lucke and Irene Probst.

To the delight of his many European fans, Sascha performed at the Winter tour in Germany, Italy and Switzerland. In Oberstdorf, Germany, Sascha skated his powerful "Blow" routine landing a split jumps, two triple toes, a double Axel. The crowd got into the program right away and clapped along.

For his second number, Sascha chose "Harmonica", an expressive Blues. The program featured two triple toes, a double Axel, excellent spins and a beautiful circular step sequence. The choreography showcased his speed over the ice and his skating skills. (Report courtesy of Irene Probst).

Sascha receives scrapbook

Sascha received his personal scrap book after the show in Podolsk on May 19. The initiators Irene from Germany, her daughter Julia and Katrin from Austria handed over the scrapbook.


~ Sasha and Lena with Irene and Julia from Germany after the show in Podolsk. Irene (left) initiated the scrapbook. ~

Sascha was truly impressed. "That is a wonderful gift. I will read all the messages, thank you to you and to everybody who participated", he told his fans. We'll have some pictures of Sascha and the scrapbook soon. Once again, we want to thank all of you who contributed to this unique gift by sending letters, pictures, drawings, photographs and emails!

~ Sascha with the scrapbook that his fans prepared for him and
presented him with in Podolsk on May 19, 2004 ~

Sascha Abt enjoys Russian Tour

Sascha Abt enjoyed performing on the Russian Tour in Siberia, Podolsk and Rostov-na-Donu. "It has been a great pleasure to skate in Russia", said Sascha.

The audience welcomed him warmly and never let him off the ice without some encores. In Podolsk near Moscow, Sasha undoubtely was one of the most popular skaters. He presented two of his new programs to the Russian spectators: "Poka gorit svetcha" (as long as the candle is burning), a popular Russian song by "Mashina vremeni" ("Time Machine").

The romantic program opens with a stunning step sequence on one foot. Fans had brought lighters and held them up during the performance. In the second half, Sascha skated to "Black Betty", once again showing his versatility.

 

Sasha Abt skates in Russian Tour

Sasha Abt has joined the Russian Tour from May 10 to 22. The schedule is as follows:

• May 10: Omsk
• May 15: Novosibirsk
• May 18: Kazan
• May 19: Podolsk
• May 21 and 22: Rostov na Donu.

For more information, updates and pictures from the Russian Tour, please visit: http://www.icesymphony.com

 

Sasha Abt with "Prince Ice Show" in Japan

Sasha Abt has been performing successfully with the "Prince Ice Show" in Japan from end of April to early May. Sasha was well received by the Japanese fans.

The prestigious shows included also Japan's stars like World Champion Shizuka Arakawa and two-time World bronze medalist Fumie Suguri as well as 1998 Olympic Champion Ilia Kulik and the World Professional Champions Elena Leonova/Andrei Khvalko.

 

Sascha Abt enjoys "new chapter" in his life

Sascha Abt has no regrets about leaving the eligible scene and is excited about his new opportunities as a show and professional skater. "This is a new chapter in my life", he explains. "I'm working on new exhibition programs, the music is still a secret, though. That is, we didn't made a final decision yet", he laughs.

In February, Sascha went to North Korea for an exhibition. "We did three shows there. Other skaters were Maria Butyrskaya, Tatiana Basova, Anastasia Gimazetdinova, Alexei Vasilievski, Stanick Jeannette, Aganina/Kniazev, Khokhlova/Novicki. We lived in a hotel, but it was quite scary. It was like there was KGB (secret police) everywhere. We had no hot water. It was twice as bad as in Soviet times!" Sascha said they flew first to Vladivostok in Russia's far east and then on to Pyönyiang, the capital of North Korea. "That was nice, I've never been in Vladivostok before."

His next plans inlcude several shows in Japan. "I'll leave on April 28, and I'll be there for seven to ten days." Sascha also hopes to perform in a tour in Russia that is scheduled for this spring. "I really want to thank my fans for all the support they gave me. I wish all of you the very best!" he said. He is looking forward to meet many of his fans in his shows and tours.

 

Sasha Abt in North Korea

Sasha Abt has been invited to North Korea to skate in shows there this week (February 9 to 13). He was scheduled to appear in three shows, according to his coach Alexander Zhulin. Other Russian stars such as Maria Butyrskaya also had been invited. Sasha's next plans inlcude shows in Japan.

 

Fans' farewell for Sascha!

As you all know, Sascha has decided to end his eligible career during the 2004 Russian Nationals in January. While he will hopefully skate in a lot of shows and tours in many years to come, he has left the ISU competition after 21 years of skating, and an era has ended for him and for his fans all over the world.

Therefore, we ask all fans to contribute to a special farewell present for Sascha. Is there anything you always wanted to tell Sascha, but never had the chance? Is there a special memory of his career you have? How did you become a fan of Sascha? Which was his most memorable performance for you? When did you see him for the first time? Did you meet him or talk to him? You can send letters, photographs, drawings etc.

We will collect them and put them all together in a scrap book so that Sascha receives a very personal and unique gift from his fans. Please participate!

Send your letters (also emails are welcome, we will print them out) - preferrably in English or Russian - to:

Irene Probst
Marktoberdorfer Str. 17
87657 Görisried
Germany
eMail: Irene.Probst@gmx.de

The deadline is May 1, 2004!

Thank you all!

 

More articles on Sasha in the 'Sasha in the press' section.

 

Read a new article on Sasha ending his career in the 'Sasha in the press' section.

 

Sasha Abt ends eligible career

Alexander ("Sasha") Abt decided to end his eligible career at the 2004 Russian National Championships in St. Petersburg (January 7-11). An aggravated groin injury forced the 27-year-old defending Russian Champion to withdraw from the event after the Short Program.

"That's it. A groin injury takes a long time to heal, and then I would have to start all over again. I just can't and don't want to do that. I'm looking forward now to skate in shows and tours. I have a family to support", Sasha explained. "I have some offers already. I will continue to work with Sasha (Alexander Zhulin)."

He informed Russian Federation President Valentin Piseev about his decision during the Championships. "He regretted that I'm leaving the sport, but he understood", Sasha said. The Russian Figure Skating Federation honoured Sasha during the exhibition gala of the Championships, and he performed his "Mambo" program.

 

Sascha Abt withdraws due to injury from Nationals

A groin injury forced Sascha Abt to withdraw from Russian Nationals. "It's over, I injured my groin already before coming here", he said on Friday, the day before the Free Skating (January 9th). "The groin started to bother me in Japan. Miracles don't happen."

Coach Alexander Zhulin explained: "He injured his groin before this event, and he aggravated the injury here in the warm up (in the Short Program) on the triple Lutz. Especially the triple Lutz was bad, he pulled it (the groin). But he tried to skate."

 

Sasha Abt in 4th at Russian Nationals after short program

Sasha Abt placed only 4th at Russian Nationals with a sub-par performance on Thursday, January 8. The defending Champion downgraded his combination to a triple-double toeloop and popped his Axel. He landed a triple Lutz and produced fast footwork, but it was not enough to fend off up and coming Andrei Griazev, who beat him to finish third.

Sasha's marks ranged from, 4.9 to 5.3 for required elements and from 5.5 to 5.7 for presentation. Unfortunaly, he apparently had hurt himself earlier in practice as he was limping off the Kiss and Cry area. Neither Sasha nor coach Alexander Zhulin were available for comment after the Short Program.

 

Alexander Abt drops to 5th at the NHK Trophy

Alexander Abt dropped to 5th in the Free Skating at the NHK Trophy in Asahikawa, Japan on Sunday (November 30). Unfortunaly, he did not skate well in what was a weak competition overall. Sasha doubled his planned quad toeloop and had a shaky landing on the triple Axel. He completed a triple flip-double toeloop combination, a triple Salöchow, loop and another flip, but the Lutz was only a double, and he touched down with his hand on another double toeloop that he added at the end. He didn't try the second planned triple Axel. The spins were ok, but overall he wasn't his usual self and seemed uninspired.

Sasha scored 49.40 points for the elements (as a reference, the winner had a technical score of 62.10 and the highest technical score of the event was 68.00) and 72.00 for program components. His Free Program score was 121.40, which ranked him 7th in the Free Skating. With an overall event score of 188.86, he was 5th. He did not qualify for the Grand Prix Final and ended up in 13th place in the Grand Prix standings.

 

Alexander Abt 3rd in the Short Program at NHK Trophy

Alexander Abt finished third in the Short Program at the NHK Trophy in Asahikawa, Japan on Saturday (November 29). He underrotated and two-footed his quad toeloop attempt (which was only identified as a triple by the technical specialists) and added a double toe. He nailed a huge triple Axel, but then he made a stupid mistake and doubled the Lutz. That cost him dearly. Sasha's spins and the circular footwork were strong, but the technical score reached only 29.16 points (only one skater had less). The program components saved him, they went up to 38.30 (the highest of the competition). Overall, Abt got 67.46 points. He was lucky that the other skaters made mistakes as well.

"I tried my best, but it didn't work today. Sometimes this is just the way it goes", Sasha commented. He had no special reason for his error on the Lutz. Coach Alexander Zhulin shook his head. "He always doesn't skate well in his first competitions. Last year, it was better, but then came the injury. Well, the most important, the free skating, is still to come." The competitors are separated by a few points only, a lot is still possible.

 

Sasha Abt finishes 6th at Cup of Russia

Sasha Abt finished 6th at the Cup of Russia after a disappointing performance on Saturday evening. He opened his Flamenco program with a two-footed and underrotated quad toeloop (which counted only as a triple), then he hit a triple Axel-double toe and a triple flip-double toe. Unfortunaly, he couldn't hold it together then. He almost missed the take-off for the Lutz, doubled and two-footed it, he pulled off another, shaky, triple Axel, but towards the end, he lost it, falling on the loop, doubling the second flip, stepping out of the Salchow. The straight line footwork was ok, the spins could have been faster and overall the program lacked transitions.

"I don't know what went wrong. Sasha was well prepared for this event. He shouldn't have skated like this", coach Alexander Zhulin said. "He told me that he was very tired." The 6th place finish makes it very hard for Sasha to qualify for the Grand Prix Final. He hopes to come back a lot stronger next week at the NHK Trophy in Japan.

 

Alexander Abt in second place after the short program at Cup of Russia

Alexander Abt started well into this first Grand Prix event on Friday evening. He finished second in the short program. Skating to the Russian Sailor Dance by Gliere (last year's short program), Sasha stepped out of the quad toeloop and added only a double toeloop, but he went on to hit a triple Axel and triple Lutz. However, both jumps could have been a bit better. Abt showed also nice spins (change foot camel spin, flying camel spin and combination spin), with more emphasis on variations and positions. The footwork was lightning fast and got extra applause from the crowd. The judges awarded this performance 73.05 points (36.10 for technical elements/36.95 for program components).

"This is my first event since the Grand Prix Finale", Abt said. He had missed the World Championships due to injury. "I was nervous, but I fulfilled the task that was given to me by my coach and myself. I got really nice support from the crowd here in Russia. They support me more than they used to."

 

New Interview with Sasha Abt

Read a new interview with Sasha at 'Sasha in the press'.

 

Sasha Abt gears up for the season

Sasha Abt is getting ready for the season. "My trainings have been going well, I'm not yet in top shape, but I should be fine by the time of my first events", he said after a practice session in the "Floyd Hall Arena" at Montclair, N.J., USA on October 28. Sasha looked strong in practice and landed all his jumps, only two-footed the quadruple toeloop. "He is just cautious (when doing the quad), but our preparations are going according to plan", coach Alexander Zhulin said. "I'm going to Russia soon for a training camp and to adjust to the time change before Cup of Russia", Sasha explained. His depature is scheduled for November 9 and Cup of Russia starts November 20.

 

Sasha Abt at test skate and shows in Russia

Sasha Abt presented his programs to a Russian audience at the test skate in Odintsovo near Moscow on September 9 and 10. He performed his short program (last year's "Russian Sailor Dance" - also known as "Yablochko") on the first and his new Flamenco free program on the second day. Right after the test skate, Sasha is scheduled to skate in Irina Lobacheva and Ilia Averbukh's shows in Siberia and in Yaroslavl.

 

Sasha Abt debutes new Flamenco FP in Japan

Sasha Abt debuted his new Flamenco free program in Japan at the Prince Ice World end of August. The music selection is from the "Mission Impossible 2" soundtrack (Nyah and Ethan by Hans Zimmer). According to reports from Japan, Sasha performed excellently during the show, and the new program was well received. "The program is still new, so it is understandably not a fully established program yet, but we know it has potential to become a super program", wrote Rumi from Japan in a special review for this website.
"The point I would like to tell most is that he acted on the ice. He danced and paid attention to his fingertips while expressing the flamenco dance. And three points I like in his program are: 1) the spiral after the triple Salchow with a few steps, 2) the unique spin which he used in his Riverdance/Lord of the Dance program enhanced by flamenco arm movements 3) the straight line footwork."
(Thanks to Rumi for contributing to this report).

 

Sasha Abt to perfom in Japan

Sasha Abt is becoming more and more popular with the Japanese fans, and he is happy to be back in Japan in August and September. Sasha has been invited to perform in the Prince Hotel ice show in Higashi-Fushimi (near Tokio), from August 21 to 24. The show will also feature reigning World Champion Evgeni Plushenko. Sasha will also be part of the shows on September 27 and 28 in Ohtsu.

 

Sasha Abt at Grand Prix events in Russia and Japan

Sasha Abt has been assigned to the Cup of Russia in Moscow and to the NHK Trophy in Asahikawa, Japan as his two Grand Prix events. These two competitions are the last ones of the series of six.
The Cup of Russia takes place from November 19 to 23, the NHK Trophy is scheduled for November 26 to 30. The top six qualifiers from the Grand Prix series will proceed to the Final in Colorado Springs, USA in December.

 

Sasha Abt to perform in St. Petersburg show

Sasha Abt is scheduled to perform in a show in St. Petersburg on June 6. The show is hosted by Evgeni Plushenko in cooperation with Michael Collins and the Russian Skating Federation. The event is dedicated to the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg and will also feature other Russian top athletes (Alexei Urmanov, Irina Slutskaja, Irina Lobacheva/Ilia Averbukh, Maria Butyrskaya, Tatiana Navka/Roman Kostomarov) as well as musician/composer Igor Korneliuk. The show will take place in the "Ice Palace".

 

Sasha Abt in France, Russia and Japan,
then off to holidays

Sasha Abt has a tight schedule before he finally can go on vacation in June. "I will perform in about 70 shows in France, Russia and Japan", Sasha said. He is scheduled to appear in the French Tour "Les Etoiles de la Glace" until April 21st. Then he will be off to Japan fo perform in the "Prince Hotel shows" with Midori Ito. After that, the skater will star in a small tour in Russia that is organized by Ilia Averbukh and the Russian Figure Skating Federation (from May 7). "The show will go to Siberia and also to Nizhnij Novgorod and Jaroslavl'", Sasha explained.

He will be back in France for the rest of the French Tour on May 15 (until June 4). "Then we all - Lena, Makar, Alexander Zhulin and his family - will go for a vacation to Sotchi (at the Black Sea). We want to return to the United States around July 1st, and start the preparation for the next season." As for now Sasha plans to keep the short program but will have a new free program.

 

Sasha Abt at "Etoiles de la Glace" in Paris

Sasha Abt peformed in the show-competition "Les Etoiles de la Glace" in Paris on April 6. The show was part of the French Tour, but consisted of a team competition and an exhibition gala with live music. Sasha competed for the "World Team" with Stephane Lambiel (SUI), Yoshie Onda (JPN), Drobiazko/Vanagas (LTU) and Lobacheva/Averbukh (RUS). They beat the "French Team" (Brian Joubert, Stanick Jeannette, Anne-Sophie Calvez, Anissina/Peizerat and Delobel/Schoenfelder) with 470 to 370 points. Sasha was ranked third in the men's event. Skating to the French Chansons "La vie en rose" and "Sous le ciel de Paris" by Yves Montand and elegantly dressed in black, he landed a triple Axel (two-footed) and four more triples and performed dynamic footwork. In the exhibition, Sasha skated his "Rhumba" program.

 

Coach: Sasha will come back strong

Coach Alexander Zhulin promised that Sasha Abt will come back strong next season. "Sasha reinjured the right foot and he would not have been in top shape for the World Championships", Zhulin said, but he wanted to quench all rumours about a retirement immediately. "Sasha is not retiring from competition. He will come back a 100 percent next season." He explained that Sasha will get two new exhibition programs. Sasha will peform in the French Tour as planned.

 

Sasha Abt has to withdraw from Worlds

Sasha Abt has withdrawn from the 2003 World Championships in Washington, USA. He re-injured his right leg on a practice fall. "He twisted the leg on a quad attempt", said the president of the Russian Figure Skating Federation, Valentin Piseev on Wednesday (March 19), speaking on the phone from Moscow. "Sasha really has had bad luck." He will be replaced by Stanislav Timchenko.

 

Sasha Abt to participate in French Tour

Sasha Abt has been invited to skate in the French Tour in France in April, May and early June. Sasha is scheduled to perform from April 4 to 20 and from May 3 to the end.

The schedule of Sasha's stops of the tour (as of March 14. Please be aware that changes may happen and check the website of the French Skating Federation at http://www.ffsg.org)

2-4.4. Grimaldi Forum de Monaco;
6.4.Paris Bercy;
8 and 9.4. Patinoire Charlemagne de Lyon,
12.4. Patinoire d'Annecy;
13 and.14.4. Maison des Sports de Clermont-Ferrand;
17.4. Amphithéa d'Angers;
19 and 20.4. Hall des Sports de Roanne;
3.5. Patinoire d'Amiens;
5.5. Patinoire de Rouen;
7.5. Docks Océane du Havre;
8.5. Antarès du Mans;
11. and 12.5. Zénith de Toulouse;
14.5. Patinoire Végapolis de Montpellier;
16. and 17.5. Palais des Sports de Marseille;
20.5. Zénith de Toulon;
21. and 22.5. Nikaia de Nice;
24. and 25.5. Zénith Arèna de Lille;
26.5. Patinoire de Charleville Mézières;
27.5. Arènes de Metz;
28. and 29.5. Parc des Expos de Reims;
30. and 31.5. Rhénus Nord de Strasbourg;
2.6. Patinoire de Mulhouse;
3.6. Arena de Genève (Switzerland)

 

For further information (tickets ets), please check the website of the French Skating Federation!

 

Sasha Abt finishes 4th at GP Final

Sasha Abt finished fourth at the GP Final in St. Petersburg, Russia on March 1st. Skating to last year's Rachmaninov program, Sasha two-footed his quadruple toeloop (with double toeloop) and stepped out of his first triple Axel. He recovered from these initial mistakes do complete a triple Lutz, a camel spin, a triple Axel (but not in combination), a triple Salchow, dynamic footwork, a triple Flip and a triple toeloop, but he doubled the loop. Overall he pushed through the program and didn't lack energy. The marks were quite lowa at 4.7 to 5.6 for technical merit and 5.3 to 5.8 for presentation. Sasha was ranked 5th in the Free Skating and slipped to fourth place.

"Sasha tried to do the maximum. He went for everything and he tried hard. But he isn't yet in top shape after the injury", his second coach, Elena Tchaikovskaya, explained. "He had to miss Europeans and he didn't have an international even since the Bofrost Cup in November. Now he will go back to the USA and prepare for Worlds. Of course, he is disappointed now, but he will fight back. Life goes on. The most important competition of the year is still to come."

Sasha was happy that everything was over. "Finally I'm going back to the USA to see Lena and Makar. I really missed them", he said. "I'm still a bit cautious with my jumps after the injury. But I will be fine for Worlds", he promised.

On Sunday, Sasha presented a new exhibition program to a Rhumba called "Perez Prado". He was dressed in a Paso Doble style costume and to the delight of the fans, ripped open the shirt! "This was the first time I skated this program", he said. "It was very exciting." The crowd loved it, and Sasha proved once more how musical he is.

 

Sasha Abt in 3rd after first day of GP Final

Sasha Abt is standing in third place following the first day of the Grand Prix Final in St. Petersburg, Russia (February 28). The athletes had to perform the short program in the afternoon and the first free skating in the evening. Sasha skated last in the short. He two-footed his quadruple toeloop (in combination with triple toe) and stepped out of his triple Axel, but he landed a triple Lutz and excited the crowd with his fast footwork. He showed good energy in his program to 'Russian Sailors Dance'.

Sasha's marks ranged from 4.8 to 5.4 for required elements and from 5.6 to 5.9 for presentation. "Sasha skated with confidence today", said Elena Tchaikovskaya, who is coaching him together with Alexander Zhulin. "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."

Abt chose 'Bolero' as his first free program. He two-footed the quad again and also the first Axel (both elements in combination with double toe). Sasha hit a triple toe, a wobbly Axel, the flip and Salchow, but he doubled the Lutz and the loop. His spins and footwork were fine, but the program looked a bit empty in places as he was focusing too much on the jumps. The performance earned Sasha marks from 4.8 to 5.6 for technical merit and from 5.3 to 5.8 for presentation. It was not enough to move up, although Ilia Klimkin also made some errors.

"I'm so tired, I'm almost dead", Sasha said. He felt that the didn't perform his best due to his injury. The competition continues with the second free skating on Saturday. Sasha will skate last year's Rachmaninov program. He will skate fourth in the group, as the skaters compete in the reverse order of tonight's result.

 

Sasha Abt gets ready for the Grand Prix Final

Sasha Abt is currently training in Moscow and getting ready for the Grand Prix Final in St. Petersburg later this month. "My ankle is still hurting a bit, but overall I'm getting into shape and my practices are ok", Sasha told us on Wednesday (February 5), speaking on the phone from Moscow. He had twisted his ankle badly in january, and the injury had forced him to miss Europeans.

Sasha wants to thank his fans for all the supportive messages and presents that were delivered to him from Malmö:

"Thank you so much all of you. I really appreciated everything." Sasha Abt

 

Sasha Abt resumes practice

Sasha Abt resumed practice on Thursday (January 24) according to his coach, Alexander Zhulin. "Sasha is skating again and we hope that he'll be ready for the Grand Prix Final", Zhulin said in Malmö. Sasha will skate in Elena Tchaikovskaya's group before Zhulin comes back to Russia prior to the Grand Prix Final (February 28 to March 2). Tchaikovskaya took a print out of the messages from the guestbook, messages from the fan club and a card signed by friends and fans with her to Moscow to give them to Sasha.

 

Sasha Abt injury update

Sasha Abt should be back on the ice in a couple of days. He injured ligaments in his right ankle last week, but he didn't break anything. "It happened on the last day in practice before we left (for Russia)", Sasha said on the phone from Moscow on Saturday (January 18). "The doctor told me to stay off the ice for a week, but next week I'll be on the ice again. The injury isn't that serious, I just twisted my foot badly, and there was a lot of swelling. Maybe I could have even skated at Europeans, but I had lost a week of practice, and we didn't want to risk anything."

Sasha will stay in Moscow until the Grand Prix Final. "My parents are very happy about that", he laughed. His coach Alexander Zhulin will come to Moscow as well, and they will prepare for the Grand Prix Final there. "We thought it is better not to go to Europeans and to be in good shape for the Final and Worlds", Sasha explained. He thanked all the fans for their support.

Russian team coach Viktor Anikanov explained that Sasha tore ligaments in the ankle. "I saw him right away when he came to Moscow. We x-rayed the ankle, and luckily, it wasn't broken. I felt so bad for Sasha, he is like a son for me."

Coach Alexander Zhulin said in Malmö¶: "It was a terrible shock for all of us. The doctors will do everything that he will be ok for the Grand Prix Final. Sasha will see the doctor on Monday, and he should decide when he can resume practice." As long as Zhulin isn't in Moscow, Elena Tchaikovskaya will look after Sasha.

 

Abt not to compete at Europeans

Unfortunaly, Sasha Abt was forced to withdraw from the 2003 European Championships in Malmö, Sweden. He injured his ankle in practice just shortly before leaving for the event.

 

Enjoy some pictures from Russian Nationals 2003 with Sasha as the new champion!

 

Sasha Abt on cover of Japanese skating magazine

Sasha Abt is featured on the cover of the current issue of the Japanese skating magazine: "World Figure Skating". The full colour picture has been taken during the short program.

 

Alexander Abt is Russian Champion!

Alexander Abt won the Russian Championships on Saturday evening (December 28) in Kazan. Sasha pulled up from second after the short program to take his first National title. He still was handicapped by his new boots and also had hurt his groin in practice. He landed a quad toe, but two-footed it and also slightly two-footed the triple Axel (with double toe). Sasha completed a triple Lutz, triple Flip, triple Salchow and strong spins, but he popped his second Axel and doubled the loop. His marks ranged from 5.4 to 5.7 for technical merit and from 5.7 to 5.9 for presentation.

"It has been a long time since I won a competition, won a gold medal", Sasha said. "I want to thank my coach Alexander Zhulin and Elena Tchaikovskaya, who also helped. What do you feel when you win? It's just great! I always want to go forward, to improve, to strive to the very top."

"I had my old boots for three years, and while I prepared for Nationals, they just broke, and I had to break in new ones. It was a nightmare, as you can see in the short program. It was very difficult." Coach Alexander Zhulin added: "Usually single skaters don't change their boots in the middle of the season, but we had no choice. It wasn't his best skate today, but he fought through. He went through a lot and even pulled his groin a bit." Sasha will fly back to New Jersey in two days to celebrate New Year's Eve there with his wife, son and friends.

 

Sasha Abt in second after SP at Nationals

Sasha Abt finished second in the short program at Russian Nationals in Kazan on Thursday evening. Sasha struggled with his jumps, two-footing the quadruple toeloop (with double toeloop) and the triple Axel and putting his hand down on the triple Lutz. His spins and footwork were strong. His marks ranged from 4.9 to 5.4 for required elements and from 5.7 to 5.8 for presentation.

"I have new boots, and they are going into different directions", Sasha explained. "I feel like floating. It's very difficult. But we had to change the boots last week as my old ones were simply broken and totally worn out."
The Mens FP is on Saturday evening. Ilia Klimkin is in the lead.

 

Alexander Abt at Russian Nationals

Alexander Abt is now preparing for Russian Nationals (December 26 to 29) in Kazan. Kazan is a 12-hour train ride from Moscow and the capital of the region of Tartastan. Kazan has hosted junior Nationals before. Sasha planned to come to Moscow prior to the Championhips to prepare and to get over the jetlag!

His main competitor will be Evgeni Plushenko, who is a four-time National Champion. Sasha is the reigning National silver medalist. Also competing are bronze medalist Ilia Klimkin, World junior bronze medalist Stanislav Timchenko and the winner of the Junior Grand Prix Final, Alexander Shubin. Olympic Champion Alexei Jagudin is out due to his ongoing injury problems.

 

Sasha Abt claims bronze medal at Cup of Russia

Sasha Abt claimed the bronze medal at the Cup of Russia, his third and final Grand Prix event on Saturday (November 23). Sasha struggled with his jumps during his performance, most of them being wobbly. He stepped out of the opening quadruple toeloop (with double toeloop) and two-footed the second quad.
Cheered on by the crowd, the Muscovite then pulled off a triple Axel-double toeloop, but stumbled on the second Axel. He completed a triple Lutz, good spins, intricate footwork and a triple loop, but doubled his last jump, a Salchow. Abt's marks ranged from 5.1 to 5.6 for technical merit and from 5.3 to 5.8 for presentation. He wore a new black costume with a silver application on it that shows a dragon, curling around his body.

"I don't really know what was wrong today", Sasha said. "I was a bit tired. It's my third competition, and I had a lot of travelling between the USA, Germany and Russia."

 

Sasha Abt in third after the SP at Cup of Russia

Alexander Abt finished third in the short program at Cup of Russia on Friday (November 22) in Moscow. Sasha nailed a huge quadruple-triple toeloop combination (he struggled with it in practice), and also a strong triple Axel, but then he doubled the Lutz! Sasha's spins were on and the footwork as well, and overall the performance was inspired and powerful. His marks ranged from 5.0 to 5.6 for required elements and from 5.6 to 5.8 for presentation. Sasha had to skate first in the first group as Johnny Weir (USA) withdrew due illness.

"Overall I'm pleased with my performance today except for the double Lutz", Sasha told the press. "But I'm happy with all the other elements." He said that skating first may have affected his scores a bit. "But there are not that many skaters, and the judges shouldn't forget the first one", he added." On the 5.0 he commented: "Maybe someone saw more flaws in my program. I see them too and I will work on them." He added that it is a great pleasure for him to skate at home, in Moscow.

 

Sasha Abt claims silver medal at Gelsenkirchen

Alexander abt claimed his second silver medal in his second Grand Prix event this season in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on Sunday (November 10). He was handicapped by an injury sustained at Skate America two weeks ago and was not able to perform his free program to its full potential.

Sasha landed a quadruple-triple toeloop combination, but he barely held on to the landing of the second jump. A triple toeloop and a triple Axel-double toeloop combination followed, but he slightly touched down with his second blade on the next triple Axel. He tired visibly towards the end, missing the take-off for the loop and doubling the Salchow, and his spins were laboured. Sasha received marks up to 5.5 for technical merit and up to 5.7 for presentation.

“I had twisted my right foot at the exhibition practice of Skate America two weeks ago, and my leg still hurt”, he revealed. “I hope to skate better at my next event, the Cup of Russia. But I'm glad to have won two silver medals in my Grand Prix events which should be enough to make the Final.” Abt picked up 18 points in his two events and is currently leading the Grand Prix standings. The Cup of Russia will be his non-scoring event.

Sasha missed the press conference at the Bofrost Cup, because he had forgotten his costume and his music for the Exhibition Gala. So he had to go back and get them in time for the exhibition, and he didn't make it to the press conference.

 

Sasha Abt second in the SP at Bofrost Cup

Sasha Abt came in second in the short program at Bofrost Cup in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on Saturday (November 9). He two-footed the quadruple toeloop in his quad-triple combination, but he landed a high triple Axel, a triple Lutz and impressed with good footwork. However, he messed up the flying camel spin at the end. It was wobbly. Sasha's marks ranged from 5.1 to 5.5 for required elements and from 5.4 to 5.8 for presentation.

"It was ok, but I'm not happy about my combination and about my final spin", Sasha said. "I war very tired at the end. Hopefully I'll do better tomorrow." Sasha drew to skate 10th (next to last) for the free skating on Sunday

 

Please enjoy some new pictures of Skate Amerika at the Photo Gallery.
The pictures are taken by Georg S. Rossano.

 

Sasha Abt takes the silver medal at Skate America

Sasha Abt took the silver medal at Skate America. Sasha debuted his "Bolero" program in competition. He hit his quadruple-triple toeloop combination but then fell on his second quad toe attempt and on his triple Axel. However, he recovered to land all the remaining triples including an Axel and showed strong footwork. At the end, he was a bit tired and left out the intended "Abt" spin, replacing it by another, simpler spin.
Sasha's marks ranged from 5.4 to 5.7 for technical merit and from 5.5 to 5.8 for presentation.

"Overall I'm pleased with how I skated. It was only the first competition after the Olympic year", Abt said. "I went for the second quad for the first time. It didn't work out this time, but it will in the next competition. I didn't really think anything when I fell! I just had to go on. I was tired at the end. I think I wouldn't have been as tired if I hadn't fallen twice", he joked. "It my first competition with a new coach, and it was psychologically a bit difficult."

Coach Alexander Zhulin was happy with Sasha's first competition.

"I'm very pleased with the short program, even with the fall. We were ready for the short program", he said. The free program needs some more polish, of course. We recently changed boots in October. It was an important step forward to go for the second quad. It was very close decision between Sascha and the French skater (Brian Joubert). It wasn't quite enough, we would have needed one more judge. Sasha is a very good competitor, he is able to pull himself together when it counts. He is easy to work with. He has a lot of trust in his coach and he is listening to advice."

 

Sasha Abt in third after SP at Skate America

Alexander Abt stands in third place following the short program at Skate America on Friday in Spokane, Washington. Skating to the Russian Sailor Dance, Abt hit a gorgeous quad-triple toeloop combination right at the beginning, but then he fell on the triple Axel. The European silver medalist recovered to land a triple Lutz and showed strong footwork and spins. His marks ranged from 5.1 to 5.4 for required elements and from 5.6 to 5.8 for presentation.

"Too bad! I was so close. If I had landed the Axel, I could have been in the lead", Sasha said. He was happy with his combination and with how his program was received by the audience. Sasha drew starting number 6 and will skate first in the final warm up group.

 

Sasha Abt at Skate America

Sasha Abt arrived on Tuesday evening in Spokane for his first competition this season, Skate America. He had to spend his birthday on the planes, travelling from New Jersey to Washington State! "Everything has been going well so far", he said. "I really enjoyed doing these shows in Japan. It was a good opportunity to practice my new programs." Sasha drew starting number 7 (second skater in the second warm up group) for the short program on Friday. Skate America is a scoring event for Abt.

 

Two new programs for Alexander Abt

With new coach and choreographer Alexander Zhulin, Alexander Abt put together two new programs for the 2002/2003 season.
They picked the "Russian Sailor Dance" from Reinhold Gliere's ballett "The Red Poppy" for the short progam. For the free program, they selected Maurice Ravel's "Bolero". Sasha debuted the programs at shows in Japan, where they were well received.

Abt at Grand Prix events in USA, Germany & Russia

Alexander Abt's Grand Prix events this season are Skate America, Bofrost Cup (Germany) and the Cup of Russia. As one of the seeded skaters (the top six from last Worlds are seeded), he is able to compete at three events, but he has to select two for collecting points.
Sasha will start into the season at Skate America (October 24 to 27) in Spokane, WA. There he will face Olympic Champion Alexei Yagudin and two-time World Bronze Medalist Michael Weiss.

His next competition is the Bofrost Cup (November 7 to 10) in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The competition should come from 2001 World Champion Evgeni Plushenko, 2001 Four Continents Champion Chengjiang Li and again from Weiss. Finally he will compete in his hometown Moscow at the Cup of Russia (November 21 to 24).
He will meet Plushenko and Li there again. If Abt picks enough points he can qualify for the Grand Prix Final in St. Petersburg, Russia (February 28 to March 2). He qualified for the Final in 2000, but narrowly missed it the following two years.

Abt to participate in "Stars, Stripes and Skates"

Alexander Abt has been invited to participate in the "Stars, Stripes and Skates" show in New York. The skating show commemorates the events of September 11 and will take place on September 20 in Madison Square Garden. All proceeds will be given to sholarship funds for families that have been affected by the terrorist attacs. For further information, please visit the website: http://www.starsstripesandskates.org
or for tickets call ticketmaster at (212) 307 71 71.

 

Sasha Abt at French shows

Alexander Abt has been invited to participate in the French summer shows from August 4 to 9. However, some of the shows had been cancelled due to technical problems. According to the latest information, the show in Bayonne on Friday, August 9, should take place.

 

Sasha Abt switches coaches: "I needed a change"

Alexander Abt stays eligible and will train with Alexander Zhulin in the upcoming season after leaving long-time coach Rafael Arutunian. He will move from Lake Arrowhead, CA to Hackensack, NJ on June 21st, together with wife Lena and son Makar. "I have been with my coach (Rafael Arutunian) for 11 years, but now I felt I needed something new and a change. I thanked him for everything he did for me. He is an excellent coach and I'm grateful for everything", Sasha said, speaking on the phone from Lake Arrowhead on Saturday (June 8).

"I'm now excited to work with Sasha Zhulin. I thought about ending my career as an eligible skater, but he told me, let's give it another try. He already discussed everything with the Russian Federation and (its president) Piseev. We have a very good relationship. This change was a big step for me, and we will see how it works for me." Abt plans to keep his contacts with the Ice Castle in Lake Arrowhead and to return there from time to time. Currently, he is trainig off ice and will resume practice on ice next week.

Sasha also talked about his vacation in Las Vegas. "We went there together - Lena, Makar and myself. It was a lot of fun. We went into casinos and watched some shows."

 

New interview

In an exclusive interview with his homepage, Sasha Abt talks about the Olympic season, his life at Lake Arrowhead and his plans for the future! Check it out right away in our interview section!

 

S a s h a   A b t   t h a n k s    f a n s  
f o r   s u p p o r t

Sasha Abt thanks all his fans for their support and their nice words. He really appreciates all of it, he said after reading a print out of the messages of the guest book. "It's nice to have so much positive support and to hear so many good words. It really helps me a lot and I want to thank all of you for it."

 

Sasha Abt in France and Japan

Sasha Abt plans to perform in exhibition galas in France and Japan following the World Championships. He is scheduled to appear in the French Tour first and then has been invited to skate in Midori Ito's show in Japan, also in April. "I love being in Asia", Sasha revealed. "I have skated in Japan, Korea and Vietnam, and I really like Asia. I haven't been invited to Japan in a while, so I'm glad that I'll have the opportunity to skate here so soon again after Worlds."

 

Sasha Abt finishes 4th at Worlds & debutes new exhibition number

Alexander Abt finished fourth at Worlds in Nagano, Japan. Skating fourth in the final warm up group, he turned in a strong performance, but stepped out of his opening quadruple toeloop (with double toeloop). Everything else was clean and well done. The little error probably cost him a medal. Sasha was disappointed. "I thought Takeshi Honda skated clean. I'm suprised. Too bad, it would have been great to medal", he said.

For the exhibition gala on Sunday, March 24, Sasha debuted a new exhibition program to "What a wounderful world" by Louis Armstrong. "I'm really excited about it and I hope the audience likes it", he said. "I put this together with my choreographer. We finished it just before Worlds." Sasha said that he hasn't yet made a final decision concerning his future in the sport. He might stay eligible. Please read soon our exclusive interview with Sasha on his homepage!

 

Alexander Abt 2nd at Worlds after Short Program

Alexander Abt sits in second following the short program and the qualifying round at the 2002 World Figure Skating Championships in Nagano, Japan (Tuesdy, March 19). Abt excited his Japanese fans with an excellent short that featured an effortless quadruple-triple toeloop combination and a huge triple Axel as well as his trademark steps and spins. The Russian scored marks up to 5.8 for both required elements and presentation. His ordinals ranked from second to one fifth place, and he stayed ahead of Takeshi Honda on a five to four split on the panel.

"Like in Lausanne (at the European Championships) I had to go out and skate right after the National hero. It doesn't bother me. I heard his (Honda's) marks and knew he skated well, but it didn't matter to me. I think this was my best short program this season", Sasha said. "I think this was my best short program this season. The second best was at Europeans. Maybe the emotion was better here. At the end, I was just happy to have performed well." Abt also had produced a solid program in the qualifying to place second to Yagudin. He had landed the quad-triple toeloop combination there as well, but he had popped his first Axel. Sasha drew starting number 22 and will skate fourth in the final warm up group for the free program on Thursday.

 

Sasha Abt finishes 5th at the Olympics

Sasha Abt finished a respectable 5th at the Salt Lake Olympic Games. He turned in a strong free program, but he fell on his opening quadruple toeloop. He still was able to hold the program together and fend off experienced competitors like Todd Eldredge or Elvis Stojko.
Abt received mixed ordinals from 3rd to 11th! His marks ranged from 5.1 to 5.7 for technical merit and from 5.5 to 5.8 for presentation.

"I wanted to do my quad-triple toe, but I didn't. I did it in practice. I'm not happy", Sasha said. "It's not my day. At the practice, I was ok. But I was nervous, this was my first time at the Olympics."
Later, coach Rafael Arutunian added: "Too bad for the quad, but I think it would have been very difficult to place higher anyway. We will now prepare for the World Championships."

 

Sasha Abt sits in 5th after SP at the Olympic Winter Games

Alexander (Sasha) Abt is ranked 5th following the short program on Tuesday (Feb 12) night at the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He landed a quadruple-triple toeloop combination (that was ratified as clean by the referee) and a triple Lutz, but the triple Axel was shaky. It still was clean though. Also the spins and footwork were strong. Abt received all 5.5s and one 5.7 for required elements and 5.4 to 5.8 for presentation. He had one third place ordinal, three fourth places, one fifth place, three sixth places and one seventh place ordinal.
"The Axel was a bit scratchy, but it was ok", Sasha commented. "I think I wouldn't have placed higher anyway." He drew to skate 23rd (next to last) for Thursday's free skating.

 

Silver medal for Alexander Abt in Lausanne

Four years after winning his first medal at Europeans, a bronze, Alexander Abt took the silver at Europeans in Lausanne on Thursday (January 17). It was an emotional moment and a close decision between Abt and three-time World Champion Alexei Yagudin. Skating next to last, Sasha produced a flawless program, landing all his jumps, including a quad-triple toeloop combination, a triple Axel-triple toeloop and all the other triples, including a second Axel. The program looked a bit empty in between the jumps, but Sasha covered the ice with his fast sweeping movements and was just gorgeous out there.

The crowd rose as one to give him a huge standing ovation. Abt's marks were as high as 5.9 for technical merit and presentation, but he lost on a 6 to 3 split in favour of Yagudin. The crowd booed the marks loudly, but Sasha just laughed and wasn't upset at all. "Now I'm tired", he said immediately following his performance. "At the end of the program, I just was glad that I skated well. I'm not upset about not winning tonight. The crowd was very loud for Stephane Lambiel, but that didn't bother me. On the contrary, it set me up for a good skate. " In the press conference he added: "I'm enjoying this result of hard work. I don't think about finishing first or second. I just compete against myself. The judges give the marks."

 

Sasha Abt 2nd after the short at Europeans

Alexander Abt came in second in the short program at Europeans on Tuesday (January 15) night. He put out a strong progam,opening with a high quadruple-triple toeloop combination, but the following triple Axel was a bit scratchy. However, Abt also produced good spins, nice footwork and a triple Lutz in his program. After the performance, he laughed and greeted the audience that cheered him on.

"It was a bit hard to skate, physically", Sasha said. "I was calm when I went out there, but I skate better in practice. I just saved the Axel, but I did save it. I felt okay. I'll attack again in the free program, like today." Abt got all second place ordinals with marks as high as 5.8 for both required elements and presentation. The competition concludes on Thursday with the free program.

 

Abt impresses in Qualifying at Europeans

Alexander Abt surely impressed fans and judges with a strong showing in the Qualifying at Europeans in Lausanne on Monday (January 14). Skating first in the second qualifying, he opened with a spectacular quadruple-triple toeloop combination, followed by a triple Axel-double toe and five more triples in his fast and flowing routine. The only mistake came when he doubled the loop.Referee Alexander Lakernik ratified Sasha's combination as clean. He was the only skater to land a clean quadruple combination in the Qualifying. Sasha got marks as high as 5.9 for presentation.

"People are here to see me, so I have to skate my best!" he commented on risking everything in qualifying. "It was agood program today", he said. "I was calm when I went out to skate. It was the first time for me to land a quad-triple toeloop combination in competition. It's a record for me! I'm now training in high altitude (at Lake Arrowhead, USA) and I have good conditions there. That helps me a lot."After Russian Nationals, Abt had stayed in Moscow and trained at the base of Novogorsk. "It was very cold", he said. But he was able to prepare well for the competition.

 

Sasha Abt in second after the Short at Nationals

Alexander Abt placed second in the Short Program at Russian Nationals on Thursday (December 28) in Moscow. Abt went for a quad-combination for the first time in the Short. He landed a high an clean quad toeloop and did a little turn before adding a double toeloop. He also completed a triple Axel, but stumbled on the final jump, a triple Lutz.

"I was too tired", Sasha explained. "I arrived the day before yesterday, and I really feel the jet lag. I only want to go home and sleep."
As most of his competitors also made mistakes, Abt was a clear second in the competition. He received marks as high as 5.8 for presentation. For the final Free Skating on Saturday, he drew starting number ...

 

Alexander Abt finishes 4th at Sparkassen Cup

Skating one of his best programs in the last years, Alexander Abt finished 4th at the Sparkassen Cup in Gelsenkirchen, Germany (11 November). Sasha hit a huge triple Axel-triple toeloop right out of the gate, but he two-footed the quadruple toeloop. However, he didn't make any further mistakes, completing a triple Lutz, a camel spin, another high triple Axel, triple Salchow, a series of three death-drops into a sit spin, a triple flip, loop and toeloop. He didn't loose his stamina and the program had a lot of flow. It earned him a standing ovation. His marks ranged from 5.3 to 5.6 for technical merit and from 5.4 to 5.8 for presentation. Only the American and Canadian judge put him in third, the others had him fourth. "This was good, but not yet my best. I will put in a quad-triple now", Sasha said. "Now with my health being ok, I'm skating stronger again."

 

Alexander Abt sits in 5th after the short at
Sparkassen Cup

Alexander Abt finished 5th in the short program at Sparkassen Cup (November 10). He landed only a triple Axel-double toeloop and two-footed the quadruple toeloop. But he landed a nice double Axel, showed strong footwork and good spins. To comply with the rules, the Russian changed the ending of his program and comes now to a full stop as it is required. "The landing of the triple Axel wasn't too good, so I decided not to risk a triple toe in the combination", Sasha explained.

 

Sasha Abt takes bronze medal at Skate America

Sasha Abt made some mistakes in his free program at Skate America on Saturday (October 27) to take the bronze medal. It was his third bronze in this event after 1995 and 1997. He started off strong with a triple Axel-triple toe, but then two-footed the landing of his quad toeloop. "There was water on the ice, and I didn't get with full power into the jump", he explained. Sasha fell then on his triple Lutz. "I went into it and went flying!" he laughed. He doubled the second Axel but then recovered to land a 3 Salchow, 3 flip, 3 loop, 3 toe and showed a nice series of butterflies and a beautiful camel spin.

However, he tired visibly towards the end. "I was dying", he said. "I was already tired in the warm up. It was difficult to skate, but overall I'm pleased. I could have skated better, of course." His new free program has been choreographed by Scott Brown, an American. Abt's marks ranged from 5.3 to 5.8 for technical merit and from 5.4 to 5.8 for presentation. The jugdes from Russia, USA, Germany had him second, while the Japanese, Hungary and Canada put him third. The French judge didn't like Sasha's performance tonight and had him 5th.

 

Alexander Abt 2nd after the short at Skate America

Alexander Abt finished 2nd in the short program at Skate America on Friday (October 26). He had looked strong in practice and was able to confirm this impression in competition. Sasha produced a fine program that featured a triple Axel-triple toeloop combination, a quadruple toeloop (slight touch down with the second blade), strong spins, steps and a double Axel. He had kept last year's short to "Armenian Selections". Abt received two first place ordinals from the French and Hungarian judges, but the Japanese put him in third. His marks ranged from 5.0 to 5.7 (A) and from 5.3 to 5.9 (B).

"It was very difficult to skate. First mentally, then also physically", Sasha said. "There was a lot of pressure. This is the first competition for me, and this is always hard. That's normal. Let's hope the best for the free skating." He added that he plans to do a quad toe- triple toe combination in the short at Russian Nationals and two different quads (Salchow and toeloop) in the free program there, but not yet at Skate America.

 

Art on Ice cancelled

Due to the political situation, Art on Ice in Germany has been cancelled. The organizers rescheduled the event for the following year at approximately the same days (November 30 and December 2)

 

Alexander Abt ready for Skate America

Alexander Abt says he feels ready to compete at his first event this season, Skate America in Colorado Springs (October 25 to 28). He kept his short program "Armenian Selections" and will skate to a selection from Sergei Rakhmaninov’s piano concertos #2 and #3 in the free program. Sasha showed his new program in shows earlier this year. In an exclusive interview with his homepage, he also talks about his life and practice in Lake Arrowhead. Read more…

 

Alexander Abt scheduled for Art on Ice

Alexander Abt is scheduled for the two Art on Ice shows in Cologne (November 29) and Oberhausen (December 1) in Oberhausen, Germany. Art on Ice is a show that combines live music and skating. Other stars include Alexei Urmanov, Mandy Wötzel/Ingo Steuer, Elena Leonova/Andrej Khvalko and Lu Chen. For more information and ticket booking please visit the Art on Ice homepage at: http://www.art-on-ice.ch

 

Sasha Abt underwent surgery successfully - Off to Lake Arrowhead in June

Alexander Abt underwent surgery to remove a cyst in his sinuses beginning of May. The surgery in Moscow was successful. "I had to stay one week in hospital", Sasha said. "They cut through my gum to remove the cysts. They were quite big, like walnuts. Now I feel better already. Everything went well." The 24-year-old suffered from the cysts for years, but they were only discovered after he fell seriously ill with a sinus infection at Euroepans. The doctors believe that the cysts weakened his immune system and were responsible for health problems and fatigue that plagued the athlete.

Sasha was released from hospital on May 18 and the next day went together with his wife Elena to her hometown of Samara in Southern Russia. "Makar is already there, with his grandparents." Sasha will spend some time with his family in Samara and then wants to fly to the USA on June 8 to train in Lake Arrowhead. Lake Arrowhead will be his training base.
The show in Kazan, by the way, had been cancelled.

 

Abt to compete at Skate America and
Sparkassen Cup

Sasha Abt's two Grand Prix events will be Skate America in Colorado Springs and the Sparkassen Cup in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. He confirmed these assignments on May 19 in Moscow. Abt already has an idea for his new free program but didn't want to reveal it yet. He will keep his short program.

 

Sasha Abt to appear at show in Kazan, Russia

Alexander Abt is scheduled to appear at a show in Kazan (southern Russia) on May 17. The show features many of Russia's top eligible skaters including World Champion Evgeni Plushchenko. Kazan has a famous ice hockey team and already hosted figure skating shows before.

 

Sasha Abt stars in shows in France and Russia

Sasha Abt has a busy schedule following the World Championships in Vancouver. He went to the Masters Miko in Paris, then he participated in a show in Nizhnii Novgorod (Russia) before joining the French Tour on April 12 in Courchevel. Sasha toured with the French team until Friday, April 20 and then flew to St. Petersburg, to skate in two shows, organized by Alexei Urmanov (April 21 and 22). After this, he plans to return to France and to finish the tour there that lasts until April 28.

"I'm really tired, I want to go home!" Sasha sighed at the show in Colmar, France. "Practically, I've not been home since Worlds and didn't see my wife and my baby. The French tour is fun, though. It is well organized. I'm the only foreigner and the first foreigner ever." Indeed, the "Tournee de l'Equipe de France" usually only features French skaters, but Federation President Didier Gailhaguet enjoyed Sasha's skating so much that he invited him. "Now I did the German, Italian and French tour", Sasha said. Being the only foreigner doesn't make it too easy sometimes, since Sasha doesn't speak French.

Russian-born ice dancer Marina Anissina takes care of him and helps him a lot. After the French Tour, Sasha has to undergo surgery to remove a cyst from his sinuses, that has been bothering him for years. It was only discovered recently. For next season, Abt wants to keep his short program to Armenian music, as he revealed. "I'm definitely doing a new free program", he added. He hasn't decided yet which music he wants to use.

 

Alexander Abt at Masters Miko

Alexander Abt did skate at the Masters Miko in Paris, France (28 and 29 March) after all. "I didn't think I'd get the visa in time. It was a nightmare", Sasha said. He arrived on Thursday morning, the day of the competition at this pro am, in Paris and skated very well. For the competition, he used his short program and his Zorro interpretative program, landing both times a triple axel and a triple-triple combination. In the exhibition on Friday, Sasha skated Zorro again and his "Caruso" program. The audience loved his performances. Sasha placed second to France's Frederic Dambier in this show-competition.

Overall, the "World Team", consisting of skaters from Russia, Lithuania and China, lost to the "French Team". "I was very tired, I wanted to sleep all day", Sasha said. He had come right from Worlds in Vancouver and suffered from jet lag as did the other skaters who had competed at Worlds. The organizers of the French tour invited Abt to participate, but he did not know yet if he can go. "I have to talk to my coach", he explained.

 

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