Russia wins inaugural team figure skating gold at Sochi Olympics

Three-time world champion Plushenko, who collects a second gold after winning the individual event in Turin eight years ago, defied his 31 years of age to skate to victory in the men's free program and put Russia seven points ahead of Canada. The Canadians needed to win the women's free skate to have any chance of catching the hosts, but US skater Gracie Gold scored higher than Canada's Kaetlyn Osmond at the start of the discipline, meaning Russia had gold in the bag before Lipnitskaya, skating last, even took to the ice, R-Sport reports. As it was, the frightningly talented teenager, mature beyond her years, pulled off yet another perfect routine after dazzling in Saturday's short program and win her segment. Gold was second and Italy's Valentina Marchei third. Only the ice dance remained later Sunday. The standings saw Russia on top with 67 points, Canada second with 56 and the US third with 50.