Modest performance by Graciova at the European Skating Championship
Finland's Anastasia Graciova had a modest showing at the European figure skating championship. Representing Moldova for the first time at a continental event, she ranked 28th and failed to participate in the free program. The ranking of Graciova, coached by Yulia Lebedeva, was ahead of only Greek Alexandra Minstidou and Lithuanian Meda Variokoite. She went down in the middle of the program, but had some impressive elements.
With no Russian skaters, Anastasia Gubanova, representing Georgia, was in the lead after the short program. She is nearly two points ahead of the main favourite, Belgium's Loena Hendrickx. The silver medallist from the last World Championships touched the ice with her hand when she landed after the triple jump combination. Third place provisionally goes to Switzerland's Kimmy Repond. Open programme will take place on 28 January.
