Deefer Dog's description of the quarter clover is the most convincing explanation I have seen so far, especially compared with some of the ill-informed stuff in the press.
Perhaps experienced display pilots can say if there is likely to be a definitive written statement somewhere of the pilot's actual intended sequence. Knee pad or cockpit probably not now great places to look, but would he have had to leave a copy with the organisers? Presumably one of the many questions AAIB will ask.