Ice Skating: Gorbenko under pressure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NATALYA GORBENKO, born in Kiev but now living in Greenwich, London, snatched an immediate lead when the women's contest opened with the technical programme at the National Championships in Basingstoke last night, writes Michael Coleman.
Flawless and with a finesse expected from a former Soviet world junior champion, Gorbenko, first of the 10 to skate, radiated a smooth confidence and seemed unbeatable.
But eight skaters later, the title-holder, Charlene von Saher, from Greenwich, Connecticut, but born in London, took the ice. The double axel was more flowing and although her choice of triple jump in the combination, a salchow, was not as daring as Gorbenko's flip, she had a more elegant line and the seven judges were not in dispute. If Gorbenko, 23, wants to win selection for Britain she must risk all in tonight's free programme.
Steven Cousins, going for his fifth men's title, won the technical despite a low-key double lutz in his combination and in the pairs Jackie Soames and John Jenkins of London aand Jason Briggs and his American partner Dana Mednick.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments