World junior champions Metelkina and Berulava led the European Championships after the short programme on Tuesday. The event took place in Latvia. Metelkina and Berulava scored the highest total among ice dance pairs in their segment.
Metelkina and Berulava are from Georgia. They performed to a combination of rhythms in the short dance. Judges awarded them strong marks for technical elements and presentation. Their total gave them clear advantage heading into the free dance.
Second place after the short dance went to a team from Italy. The Italian pair also delivered a competitive routine with solid lifts and footwork. Their total fell short of Metelkina and Berulava’s score but remained close enough to set up a tight contest for the free dance.
Third place after the short dance was held by a French duo. The French team executed their elements with precision. They received positive marks on timing and choreography, keeping them within reach of the leaders.
In the men’s singles short programme, a Russian skater topped the leaderboard. He performed a jump combination and spin elements that drew high technical scores. The leader’s name reflected Russia’s strong tradition in men’s figure skating.
Second in the men’s short was a skater from Italy. He landed a triple jump and a combination spin. The Italian’s performance included clean edges and good speed across the ice.
Third place in the men’s segment went to another Russian competitor. His routine included a high level technical sequence. He also showed stable landings on his jumps.
In the women’s singles short programme, a Polish skater led the standings. She opened with a triple jump and followed with step sequences. The judges rewarded her precision and control.
Second place among women went to a skater from Japan. The Japanese competitor performed a solid short with a clean jump and strong spin sequences.
Third in the women’s short programme was a skater from Spain. She earned points for her artistic interpretation and technical elements.
The European Championships include multiple segments across ice dance, men’s, women’s, and pairs events. After the short programmes, skaters prepare for free skates or free dances scheduled later in the competition. Positions after the short segment set the starting order for the next round.
Skaters from various countries competed under the International Skating Union rules. Judges scored athletes on technical execution and artistic performance. The European Championships serve as a major continental event ahead of other international competitions this season. Results influence rankings and momentum for the free segments. Competitors adjust training routines ahead of their next performance. The competition draws fans of figure skating throughout Europe. The free programmes will determine overall medal winners once complete.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/world-junior-champions-metelkina-berulava-leaders-after-european-short-programme-2026-01-14/
