SOFIA — Bulgarian figure skater Alexandra Feigin celebrated a silver-medal victory at the Denkova-Staviski Cup, held at Sofia’s Winter Palace.
The 22-year-old skater, representing the Albena Denkova-Maxim Staviski Ice Dance Club, achieved an impressive total score of 177.26 points, capturing the crowd’s attention and delivering a memorable performance on home ice.
Feigin led the field after the short program, posting a season-high 66.30 points, a score that reflected her precision and artistry in front of the Sofia audience.
Her powerful short program secured her a strong lead, showcasing the skill and competitive spirit that have made her one of Bulgaria’s top skaters.
However, her free skate presented some challenges, as mistakes on her triple flip and triple salchow jumps saw her fall slightly short of a perfect performance.
Nevertheless, Feigin’s score of 110.96 points in the free skate set a personal season’s best, solidifying her position on the podium and earning her the silver medal.
The gold medal went to Great Britain’s Kristen Spours, who demonstrated consistency and technical prowess to finish with 186.02 points. Italy’s Carlotta Maria Gardini claimed bronze with a total score of 164.59 points, rounding out the top three in the women’s division.
Feigin expressed gratitude for her performance, acknowledging the support of the local crowd and her commitment to refining her routines for future competitions.
“Skating at home always brings a mix of excitement and pressure,” Feigin shared after the event. “I’m proud of the progress I’ve made this season and grateful for the encouragement from my coaches and fans.”
In the men’s division, Bulgaria was well-represented by three promising skaters. Alexander Zlatkov achieved a noteworthy sixth-place finish with a total score of 189.50 points.
Zlatkov initially placed eighth in the short program but improved his ranking with a strong fifth-place showing in the free skate. Close behind him was compatriot Beat Shumperli, who earned seventh place with 182.31 points.
Filip Kaymakchiev also delivered a respectable performance, finishing 10th with 155.77 points. Israel’s Lev Vinokur secured the men’s gold medal, displaying a high level of skill and consistency throughout the competition.
The Denkova-Staviski Cup, named after Bulgaria’s celebrated ice dancing duo Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski, has become a significant event in the European figure skating circuit, offering local talent the opportunity to compete alongside international skaters.
For Bulgarian athletes like Feigin, Zlatkov, and Shumperli, the event is an invaluable experience, providing exposure to high-level competition and fostering growth in the nation’s skating community.
As Feigin looks to build on her recent success, she has set her sights on enhancing her routines and refining technical elements ahead of upcoming competitions.
Her silver medal at the Denkova-Staviski Cup serves as a testament to her hard work and potential, signaling a bright future for Bulgaria’s presence in international figure skating.
With rising stars and a supportive home audience, Bulgaria’s figure skating scene continues to develop and inspire. Feigin’s achievement not only adds to her list of accolades but also fuels the aspirations of aspiring skaters in the country.