BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) Evgenia Medvedeva led a Russian sweep of the top three positions in the women's short program on Wednesday, the opening day of the European figure skating championships.
The Russians dominated even though defending champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva didn't make the team.
The free skate is scheduled for Friday.
Making her debut at the top continental competition, Medvedeva earned 72.55 points despite an uncertain landing of the double lutz. Elena Radionova, who took silver at last year's championships in Stockholm, was in second place with 70.96 points. Anna Pogorilaya was in third, more than seven points behind Radionova.
Roberta Rodeghiero of Italy received 61.01 points for fourth, ahead of Angelina Kuchvalska of Latvia.
The men's short program is scheduled for later Wednesday, with the free skate on Thursday.
