Tamara Zhukova -- Daniil Karpov: "We are a new couple, we had to get involved in competitions right away"

The dance duets opened the competition program of the fourth stage of the Junior Grand Prix series, which started in Chelyabinsk. The first of the three Russian duets to take to the ice were debutants of the competition Tamara Zhukova -- Daniil Karpov. The couple was created relatively recently. Before this, Daniil skated with Polina Ivanenko, participated in the stages of the Grand Prix series.

- Tamara and I showed our programs for the first time at the junior test skates in Novogorsk. We are a new couple, we had to get involved in competitions right away. For me, performing with Tamara is a new stage in my career. It wasn't that easy to start here because Polina Ivanenko and I had skated together for 3 years before going to the Grand Prix, we knew each other, and it was easier in terms of feeling and leading our partner. But with Tamara, we had to start right away. But the support of the spectators really helped. 

I've always liked performing in Chelyabinsk. I was here at the Russian Championships 3 years ago, I saw how skaters are received here. Everything is at the highest level. But now the organization, in my opinion, is even better. The atmosphere is very good. The ice is soft, wonderful, -- commented Daniil Karpov.

-- To be honest, it was hard for me to start at the tournament. I didn't want to let Dania down, a more experienced partner. I was very nervous, that's probably why not everything worked out. Although, when I stepped onto the ice, the excitement subsided. Overall, I rate the rhythm dance performance as satisfactory, but of course it could have been better, added Tamara Zhukova.