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Plushenko wins fifth title at Europeans
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-22 14:08
Evgeni Plushenko was short of breath early in his routine.
The Russian, who has been battling the flu, didn't let that stop him from
winning his fifth men's title at the European Figure Skating Championships on
Saturday, however.
"It was very difficult to skate the program because I'm still not healthy,"
said Plushenko, who also sealed another Russian sweep of the gold medals at the
continental competition with his win. "After the third minute I couldn't
breathe. I was gulping for air, like a fish out of water.
"Yeah ... it was hard."
Silver medallist
Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland (L), gold medallist Yevgeny Plushenko of
Russia (C) and bronze medallist Brian Joubert pose after the podium
ceremony of the men skating program at the European figure skating
Championships in Lyon, central France, January 21, 2006.
[Reuters] | It was the third time in the last four
years the Russians won all four titles. They also did it from 1997-99, and are
now looking to repeat the feat at next month's Olympics.
Last year, Plushenko was the only Russian not to repeat at the world
championships when he dropped out with a groin injury. Now he has taken revenge
against world champion Stephane Lambiel, who was second Saturday. France's Brian
Joubert, who upset Plushenko at the 2004 Europeans, was third.
Plushenko opened with a quadruple jump and added seven more triples in his
routine to "The Godfather."
His jumps were huge at the start. He did two triple axels, including one in
combination with a triple toe loop and a double loop.
He tired near the end of his routine, showing effects of the flu, by doubling
a salchow and slowing on his spins.
"I almost didn't come. But this is the final preparation before the Olympic
Games," Plushenko said.
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