Figure Skating: Tuktamysheva Makes History at Worlds

W460

European title holder Elizaveta Tuktamysheva recorded the third highest ladies short program score in history Thursday as the 18-year-old took a commanding lead at the World Figure Skating Championships in Shanghai.

The Russian dazzled the crowd to the rousing music of Maurice Ravel's "Bolero", opening with a triple axel before dancing impeccably to move easily into first position in the tournament with a score of 77.62.

Tuktamysheva was the only contestant in Shanghai to attempt a triple axel in the short program, and her score puts her behind Japan's Mao Asada (78.66) and South Korean legend Yuna Kim (78.50) in the all-time rankings.

Asada, who has taken the season off, recorded her score at last season's world championships.

Tuktamysheva punched the air with the delight after her performance, and will go into Friday's free skate final as the clear favorite.

In second place was compatriot Elena Radionova with a score of 69.51. Radionova was edged by Tuktamysheva into the runners-up spot at both the European championships and the Grand Prix Final.

Japanese national champion Satako Miyahara finished in third place on 67.02.

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