Main rivals absent, Bazarova and Larionov lead at Russian Nationals

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Jackie Wong , Figure Skating Examiner
December 25, 2011

European bronze medalists Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov find themselves with a sizeable eight-point advantage after a clean short program that propelled them to the top of the standings at the Russian Figure Skating Championships. With the two top Russian pairs opting out of the competition in favor of much-needed rest after a busy fall, Bazarova and Larionov are in prime position to take their first national title.

Hitting their opening side-by-side triple toes and a strong throw triple flip, Bazarova and Larionov made it known that it was their opportunity for the gold, scoring a 68.83 for their short program effort. With reigning champions Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov and former championsYuko Kavaguti and Alexander Smirnov opting to skip the competition, the door is wide open for Bazarova and Laronov to take the title.