Flight delay cuts Kuzmina and Studenikin’s training before Budapest event

Russian ice dancers Milana Kuzmina and Dmitry Studenikin face reduced preparation for Budapest Trophy after a 12-hour flight delay, coach Irina Zhuk told TASS on October 14.

Zhuk said the group was only heading to board when she spoke to the agency. Their onward flight from Istanbul to Budapest was planned for October 15.

That timing meant the pair would miss training sessions on the day of the connection. The coach expected them to have only one practice left before competing.

The tournament in the Hungarian capital runs from October 15 to 18. Despite the reduced preparation, Zhuk said the pair still intended to skate. She did not announce their withdrawal, and the report did not explain what caused the flight delay.