Triumphant Return: Niina Petrokina Leads European Figure Skating Championships

Niina Petrokina, having undergone Achilles tendon surgery, took the lead at the European Figure Skating Championships in the women's short program. Despite her recent challenges, the Estonian delivered a nearly perfect performance. Meanwhile, Georgian duo Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava topped the pairs short program with a standout routine.

Defending champion Niina Petrokina reclaimed her dominance in the women's short program at the European Figure Skating Championships, showcasing a stellar performance despite a lengthy recovery from Achilles tendon surgery.

Scoring an impressive 70.61 points, Petrokina, the first Estonian to win an ISU Championship title, surpassed rivals Nina Pinzarrone and Anna Pezzetta. Despite missed training time due to surgery, her athletic precision and determination were evident in her routine.

In the pairs short program, Georgia's Anastasiia Metelkina and Luka Berulava captivated audiences with a high-scoring performance, leading them to the top ahead of Germany's reigning champions Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin. Their crisp routine included stunning elements like side-by-side triple Salchows and a throw triple flip.

(With inputs from agencies.)