Figure Skating: Plushenko Grabs the Lead at Russian Championship

Turin Olympic champion Yevgeny Plushenko enjoyed a lively start at the Russian figure skating championships, which started at Saransk on Sunday, clinching the lead after the short program.

The 29-year-old three-time world champion, who finished second behind Evan Lysacek at the Vancouver Olympics, earned 88.24 points for his short program presentation, just three points less than his personal best mark.

"For me it was mentally tough to skate after a long break," Plushenko said. "I still failed to overcome my leg injury completely and I have to take care of the left leg.

"However, I'm happy I was able to perform a quadruple jump here, though I failed to avoid a mistake."

Plushenko, returning to competition after his 2010 Vancouver disappointment, added that he would have to undergo surgery on his left leg after next month's European figure skating championships in Sheffield.

"I will have an operation on my leg after the European championships assuming I qualify to compete there and will be completely ready for the event," he said.

Fellow Saint Petersburg skater Artur Gachinsky is second after the opening day with 83.52 points, while Jean Bush, who represents Saint Petersburg and Chelyabinsk, is third on 81.81 points.

The winner of the men's section of the Russian championships will be decided on Monday.