体坛英语新闻：Russia extends lead as Plushenko performs strongly in figure skating team event at Sochi

SOCHI, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Strong performances by Evgeni Plushenko in the men's free skating put host Russia in first place with 57 points at the inaugural Olympic figure skating team event here on Sunday.

In the men's free skating, Plushenko thrilled the crowd from the second he stepped on to the ice. Skating to Best of Plushenko, the 31-year-old veteran hit a quad toeloop, triple axel and double toeloop. The 2006 Olympic champion scored 168.20 points and picked up 10 team points for Russia.

Kevin Reynolds, gold medalist at 2013 Four Continents championships, scored 167.92 points to help Canada seal the second place in the team standings with 50 points, and the United States settled for the third place.

Tatsuki Machida of Japan came third with 165.85 points, while his team's ranking rose from fifth to fourth.

Ten teams qualified for the team competition and the top five advanced to the free skating segment on Saturday. In addition to the regular "kiss and cry" where skaters wait for their scores, there are team boxes. Teammates wave flags to encourage their skaters.

The team event continues later with the ladies free skating and ice dance free dance on Sunday.