Russian 16-year-old Evgenia Medvedeva posted the highest marks in the women's short program at the European Championships on Wednesday ahead of two compatriots, Elena Radionova and Anna Pogorilaya.

Moscovite Medvedeva did not reach the heights she soared to in her recent victory at the prestigious Barcelona Grand Prix but nailed three triple toe loops before then blowing a double axel.

Judges awarded the 2015 junior world champion 72.55 points for the short program, performed with extreme elegance to "Melodies of the White Nights", by Isaac Schwarz.

"Basically I did my job, but I could have done better. Overall I'm pleased, because I fought through it. This is my debut at the European Championships and I was a bit more nervous than usual," the 16-year-old said in English after her performance.

Contestants must perform a set group of figures in the short routine and the brunette is now expected to face a serious challenge from Radionova (70.96) in the free program on Friday.

"I am very happy with my skate today, especially because I upped the difficulty (by changing a planned triple loop to a triple flip)," the 17-year-old Radionova said after her technically difficult choice performed to "Je t'aime" by Lara Fabian.

The men's short program is contested later on Wednesday with Spain's 24-year-old Javier Fernandez aiming for a fourth straight title.
Source :AFP