Sotnikova braced to win figure skating title

ZAGREB (AFP) –

Russian Adelina Sotnikova performs on January 25, 2013 during the women’s short skating program of the European Championship in Zagreb. Sotnikova edged closer to ending Russia’s seven-year wait to clinch the European women’s figure skating title when she dominated the short programme.

Sixteen-year-old Adelina Sotnikova edged closer to ending Russia’s seven-year wait to clinch the European women’s figure skating title when she dominated the short programme on Friday.

The world junior champion in 2011, Sotnikova scored 67.61 points to Capriccio Espagnol by Nikolai Rimski-Korsakov.

“I don’t have the words to express how I feel. I am so happy and satisfied with what I have done. I feel strong emotion,” said the teenager.

Irina Slutskaya, in 2006, was Russia’s last European champion and the country’s only major podium appearance since was Alena Leonova’s silver medal at the 2012 world championships.

Four-time European champion Carolina Kostner of Italy was second on 64.19 points having fallen during her routine skated to the theme from the Young Frankenstein movie.

Fellow Italian Valentina Marchei was in third place on 58.22.