By Emily Goddard

Elena Radionova topped the ladies' short programme at the European Figure Skating Championships ©Getty ImagesElena Radionova led a Russian sweep of the ladies' short programme at the European Figure Skating Championships in Stockholm, Sweden today.

The two-time junior world champion's performance to Ain't It Funny by Jennifer Lopez and a Flamenco featured a triple Lutz-triple toeloop combination, triple loop and double Axel, as well as three level-four spins and level-three footwork, to score her a new personal best of 70.46 points.

"The short programme was completely successful, now it all comes down to the free programme," Radionova said.

"The feeling I got was just amazing, something wonderful.

"I loved it, I loved to be able to do what I can do."

She was followed by her compatriots Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, a Winter Youth Olympic Games champion, and junior world bronze medallist Anna Pogorilaya with 69.02 and 66.10 points respectively.

Meanwhile, French pair Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron won the ice dancing title with a score of 179.97 points.

Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron won the free dance programme title in Stockholm ©Getty ImagesGabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron won the free dance programme title in Stockholm ©Getty Images


Their performance, to Adagio from Mozart's 23rd Piano Concerto, was all the more impressive as it topped defending world and European champions Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy, who finished second with 171.52 points.

Russia's Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin came third on 160.95.

"It's the programme that I wanted from them since they were youngsters," said Papadakis and Cizeron's coach Romain Haguenauer.

"Their quality tonight was that they have been skating together for 10 years.

"They possess a long experience in working on their moves.

"They perform like they are one.

"They are very respectful partners and respectful of one another.

"They never raise their voices."

The competition in Stockholm continues with the pairs' short programme and men's free skating tomorrow.

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