Opening Ceremony malfunction? What Opening Ceremony malfunction?

Viewers of Russia’s official Olympic broadcaster, Rossiya 1, didn’t see the major Olympic ring mishap at Friday’s Opening Ceremony. While the rest of the world was watching a snowflake fail to transform into a fifth Olympic ring, Rossiya cut away to a close-up of dancers, then faded into rehearsal footage that showed the rings joining seamlessly.

Here’s the final live shot before Russian TV cut away for the fade. Notice the difference in how the seats are filled.

The Associated Press reported Russian producers acknowledged the trickery, claiming they wanted to “preserve the imagery” of Olympic symbols.

Can’t wait to see what Rossiya will throw on television if the men’s hockey team fails to win gold. Maybe a replay of the 1988 Olympic final?