Russians Grab Lead

Olympic and world ice dance champions, Oksana Gritschuk and Yevgeny Platov of Russia, began their quest for their first European title by taking the lead after the dance compulsories.

Defending champions Mandy Woetzel and Ingo Steuer of Germany staved off a strong Russian challenge in the pairs event and held first after the short program.

Former ice skating champions who turned pro will not be able to return to the amateur ranks as they did in 1994 if they missed last April’s deadline.

International Skating Union president Ottavio Cinquanta said that the deadline had passed for ineligible skaters to apply for reinstatement, and there will be no second chances for them.