(noticia) Unstoppable Slutskaya skates into history

Figure Skating European Championships

Irina Slutskaya skated into the record books on Thursday by capturing an unprecedented seventh European women's title. The Russian's elegant Rhumba and Flamenco choreography could not be matched even though she had to put her hand down on the ice to keep balance 90 seconds into the routine.

Despite the mistake, she easily outclassed compatriot Elena Sokolova by a margin of 15.43 points. Italy's Carolina Kostner claimed bronze with a score of 112.41.

Slutskaya eclipsed the record of six European titles she had shared with Germany's Katarina Witt and Norway's Sonja Henie with a series of soaring jumps, deft footwork and imaginative spins.

Her victory kept alive Russia's chances of sweeping all four titles at the championships for the second successive year.

Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin began Russia's gold run in Lyon by clinching their fifth consecutive pairs title on Wednesday.

Slutskaya's error left her unsure of a seventh win since Sokolova had put in an inspired performance to earn a personal best of 116.93 points in the long programme.

(leer +) [vía eurosport]