|
 Plushenko, 31, who prolonged his career in the hope of reclaiming
the gold medal he won in 2006 in Turin on home soil in February, had
been the favorite going into the national championship.
After taking the lead in the short program, he was beaten in the
free skate contest by 18-year-old Maxim Kovtun — who likely earned
himself Russia's sole slot in the men's event with a commanding
performance.
"I'll choose the team event and give the individual competition to a
young and promising athlete," Plushenko, who also won Olympic silver
medals in 2002 and 2010, told Russian state television.
"I am glad that I landed the quad (jump), but there were a lot of
mistakes today ... my legs gave way," said Plushenko, sweat beaded
on his brow and still short of breath from his performance.
Plushenko, who has competed in just two other events this year, said
he would not participate in the European championships in January in
Budapest.
[to top of second column] |
Scaling down Olympic dreams that pushed him to undergo back
surgery last summer in an attempt to make a comeback, Plushenko
said he would seek only to represent Russia in the team
competition — a new Olympic sporting event debuting in Sochi.
"I am sensible ... It will be enough for me to compete in the
team event," he said. "Unfortunately, I didn't do my job today."
The team event in Sochi will feature six skaters from each of
the sport's disciplines whose points will be added up for an
overall team score.
(Writing by Alissa de Carbonnel;
editing by Dan Grebler)
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