Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia has taken the lead in the ladies short programme at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships ©Getty Images

Defending champion Evgenia Medvedeva of Russia has taken the lead in the ladies short programme on the opening day of the International Skating Union (ISU) European Figure Skating Championships in Ostrava.

Medvedeva claimed top spot after the first day of action in the Czech Republic ahead of her team-mate Anna Pogorilaya and Carolina Kostner of Italy who came second and third respectively.

Performing to “River Flows In You” and “Winter”, Medvedeva hit a triple flip, triple toe combination, triple loop, double Axel as well as level-four spins and footwork.

The reigning European and World Champion scored 78.92 points, slightly below her own record score.

“I didn’t get a seasons best and I expected the score to be a little bit higher, but it is a good, a high score," Medvedeva said.

"The free program is a new game and I’ll try my best."

Pogorilaya’s programme to “Scent of a woman” featured a triple Lutz-triple toeloop, a triple loop, double Axel and strong spins footwork.

The reigning World bronze medallist set a new personal best for herself with 74.39.

“It was the best programme of this season, but it does not mean that it was perfect," the Russian said.

"I made some small mistakes and have to work on them.

"All the small details in the program are important – gestures, emotions, artistry, so there is lots of room for improvement."

Anna Pogorilaya currently lies in second place ©Getty Images
Anna Pogorilaya currently lies in second place ©Getty Images

Kostner produced a triple toe-triple toe combination, triple loop, double Axel in her routine to “God of Thunder” and “Bonzo’s Montreux”.

The five-time European Champion earned a level four for her flying camel spin and the step sequence to set a season’s best of 72.40.

“There are things that I did really well and others things I could have done better.

"I am especially happy about dealing with nervousness, in between being happy to be here and containing the emotions.

"This gives me confidence to continue on this journey”, said the 2014 Olympic bronze medalist who had not competed the past two seasons.

Maria Sotskova of Russia placed fourth with a strong performance that included a triple Lutz-triple toe combination to earn 72.17.

Frenchman Laurine Lecavelier is in fifth with 63.81 while Ivett Toth of Hungary lies in sixth place on 61.49.

A field of 34 competed in today's short programme with the top 24 qualifying for the free skating competition on Friday.

The ISU European Figure Skating Championships continue tomorrow with the pairs short programme.