Germany's Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin have emerged as front-runners for their first European title in figure skating pairs, after delivering a stellar performance in the short program held in Tallinn, Estonia. The duo, coming off the high of their Grand Prix Final triumph, executed an almost flawless routine. Despite suffering a minor setback with a one-point penalty for a timing issue, they secured a commendable score of 71.59 points.
Trailing closely in second place are Italians Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii, who, despite a robust performance, encountered a mishap when Conti faltered on a throw triple loop, costing them valuable points. Their score stood slightly over three points behind the leading Germans.
The Hungarian pair, Maria Pavlova and Alexei Sviatchenko, also showcased their prowess, clinching the third spot with a total of 65.88 points. With fierce competition within the ranks, each pair is pushing the boundaries of their capabilities.
Last year’s reigning champions, Lucrezia Beccari and Matteo Guarise from Italy, unfortunately, had to withdraw from the competition due to Beccari's serious foot injury that required surgical intervention. Their absence opens up the field for new champions to rise, adding an intense level of anticipation for the competition's outcome.
The participants expressed gratitude for once again performing on the international stage, with a lineup of strong contenders showcasing skills honed through perseverance and rigorous training. The atmosphere in Tallinn is electric, with fans eagerly anticipating further rounds, including the much-awaited women’s short program, which promises to be another spectacle of athletic artistry.
Notably absent from the women's short program is the defending champion, Loena Hendrickx, who is resting due to an ankle injury. Her absence offers an opportunity for emerging athletes to make their mark in her stead.
The European Figure Skating Championships continue to attract attention, with performances broadcast across multiple platforms, ensuring a global audience can witness the breathtaking routines and unrelenting spirit of the athletes.
