Gachinski upstages Plushenko at Europeans

Veteran Evgeni Plushenko was upstaged by protege Artur Gachinski on Thursday as the Russian duo took the top two positions after the short program at the European figure skating championships.

Belying injuries to his back and left knee, Plushenko looked like he would be leading going into Saturday's free skate after scoring 84.71 points. However, he did not attempt a quad during his routine.

The 2006 Olympic champion finished second behind the 18-year-old Gachinski, who nailed a quadruple toeloop to take the lead by 0.09 points.

Tomas Verner of the Czech Republic was third with 81.14 points.

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