Russia's Bobrova, Soloviev lead dance bid

Russia's Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev, who have been together for 12 years, took the lead after the short programme of the ice dancing competition at the European figure skating championships on Wednesday. The duo scored 69.42 points for their polka routine to edge ahead of compatriots Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov, on 68.98 points, with Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy in third place on 66.53 points. Bobrova and Soloviev's best previous finish in their long career was a silver medal in the last two championships. Ilinykh and Katsalapov, the bronze medallists in 2012, are expected to make their big push on Friday in the free section. From : AFP