Russian figure skating prodigy Kostornaia takes the lead at Internationaux de France, Zagitova second (VIDEO)
Russian rising star Alena Kostornaia has made a more than confident debut at the senior Grand Prix event, winning the women’s short program in Grenoble, France and leaving behind reigning Olympic champion Alina Zagitova.
The 15-year-old Russian delivered a solid performance on Friday, demonstrating the most technically complicated program in which she landed a triple axel.
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Kostornaia, who coped perfectly with all of her jumping elements, posted a score of 76,55 points, which turned out to be unbeatable for the rest of her opponents.
Light as a feather ? Alena Kostornaia leads the Ladies Short Program after the first group!
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Reigning world and Olympic champion Zagitova was also clean during her routine, which she performed to the tender song of ‘Me Voy’ by Yasmin Levy.
However, her triple lutz-triple loop combination was considered under-rotated by judges, a mistake that slightly affected her technical score.
Alina Zagitova lays down a loop combo and makes it a 1 + 2 lead for Russia after the Ladies Short Program ⛸️
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Zagitova currently sits in second place with 74,24 points.
The competition will conclude on Saturday after the female skaters demonstrate their free programs.