Mckay goes through to free skate world final in France

Dundee skater Natasha Mckay has qualified for the free skate final in the women’s competition at the World Figure Skating Championships.

Mckay, who trains at Dundee Ice Arena, competed for Team GB in the Winter Olympics in Beijing last month

With the top 24 skaters qualifying from the short program for the free skate final tomorrow, Mckay made it through in 24th place with a score of 55.71.

Japanese skater Kaon Sakamoto is currently in first place in the event in Montpellier, France, with 80.32 points, followed by Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx on 75.

All of the Russian skaters, who usually dominate the podium in the women’s competition, have been banned from competing this year by the International Skating Union due to their country’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war.

Russian teenage Kamila Valieva is still awaiting the outcome of an investigation into a failed drugs test taken before the Winter Olympics.

The medals in the team event, in which she helped Russia to win gold, have not yet been awarded.

Mckay told The Scotsman: "I am delighted to have qualified at another world championships, but I am most pleased with my performance and how the programme went.

"It’s been a long but fantastic season and to finish it with another clean short programme and qualification for the free skate is great.

"I am very happy at this stage, and looking forward to the free skate on Friday."

Mckay did not qualify for the free skate at the Winter Olympics after she finished in 28th position in Beijing with 52.54 points.

Swindon skaters Zoe Jones and Christopher Boyadji were due to compete in the pairs competition at the championships last night.