TOP FIVE WOMEN TO WATCH

Sarah Hughes

Short program: Ave Maria, by Gounod

Long program: Daphnis et Chloe, by Ravel

Titles this season: Skate Canada.

Strengths: Solid technically, mental toughness

Weaknesses: Flutzes, still lacking command of the ice

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Sasha Cohen

Short program: Sentimental Waltz, by E. Doga

Long program: Carmen, by Bizet

Titles this season: Finlandia Trophy

Strengths: Balletic grace, flexibility, innovative spins

Weaknesses: Not much international experience, lack of consistency

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Maria Butyrskaya

Short program: Tune of the White Nights, by Shwartz

Long program: Tale of a Journey

Titles this season: Nations Cup, Trophee Lalique, European championships

Strengths: Experienced competitor and projects genuine maturity at 29

Weaknesses: Prone to meltdowns after errors

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Irina Slutskaya

Short program: Serenade, by Schubert

Long program: Tosca, by Puccini

Titles this season: Goodwill Games, Masters of Skating, Cup of Russia, Grand Prix Final, Russian nationals

Strengths: Adventurous jumper, good rapport with audience

Weaknesses: Sometimes criticized for lack of artistry

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Michelle Kwan

Short program: Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Opus 30, by Rachmaninov

Long program: Sheherezade, by Rimsky-Korsakov

Titles this season: Skate America, U.S. nationals

Strengths: Artistry, experience, poise

Weakness: Hasn’t landed a triple-triple in competition this season