Natalia Aleksandrovna Zabiiako(Russian:Наталья Александровна Забияко,born 15 August 1994) is a Russian-Estonian competitivepair skater.Competing for Russia withAlexander Enbert,she was the2019 Worldbronze medalist,2018 Europeanbronze medalist,2018 Grand Prix of Helsinkichampion,2018 NHK Trophychampion,2016 Rostelecom Cupsilver medalist, and three-timeRussian nationalmedalist.

Natalia Zabiiako
Zabiiako in 2023
Full nameNatalia Aleksandrovna Zabiiako
Other namesNatalja Zabijako
Natalya Zabiyako
Born(1994-08-15)15 August 1994(age 30)
Tallinn,Estonia
Height1.64 m (5 ft 5 in)
Figure skating career
CountryRussia
CoachNina Mozer,Vladislav Zhovnirski
Skating clubVorobievie Gory
Began skating1998
Medal record
Figure skating:Pairs
Representing
Olympic Athletes from Russia
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2018 Pyeongchang Team
RepresentingRussia
World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2019 Saitama Pairs
World Team Trophy
Bronze medal – third place 2019 Fukuoka Team

Zabiiako competed for Estonia until 2014, partnered withSergei Muhhin,Sergei Kulbach,andAlexandr Zaboev.With Zaboev, she placed tenth at the2014 European Championships.Although they qualified a spot for Estonia in the pairs' event at the2014 Winter Olympics,they did not compete in Sochi because Zaboev's fast-track citizenship application was declined.

Personal life

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Zabiiako was born inTallinn,Estonia.[1]Her mother is an Estonian citizen, and her father holds anEstonian alien's passport.

From 2010 to 2014, Zabiiako lived in the United States with a Russian emigrant family.[2]In April 2014, she said she planned to move to Moscow and apply for Russian citizenship.[2][3]She became a Russian citizen on 19 December 2014.[4]

Zabiiako is in a relationship with Russian tennis playerDaria Kasatkina.[5] It became public after Kasatkina and Zabiiako posted photos of each other together on Instagram in July 2022.[6][7][8]Zabiiako and Kasatkina also started a YouTube vlog about life on the tennis tour.[9]

Career for Estonia

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Zabiiako began skating when she was four years old. At age 15, she switched from singles to pairs, partnering withSergei Muhhin.[2]They made their international debut at the 2009ISU Junior Grand Prix in Belarusand placed sixteenth at the2010 World Junior Championships.

Partnership with Kulbach

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Zabiiako and Kulbach at the2011 World Championships

Later in 2010, Zabiiako teamed up with Ukrainian skaterSergei Kulbachto represent Estonia. After debuting at the2010 Nebelhorn Trophy,the pair placed thirteenth at the2011 European Championshipsand sixteenth at the2011 World Championships.Zabiiako injured her back as a result of a fall at theNRW Trophyin December 2011, preventing them from competing at the2012 European Championships.[10]On 15 February 2012, it was reported that Zabiiako and Kulbach had parted ways.[10]

Partnership with Zaboev

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In October 2012, Zabiiako teamed up with Russian-born skaterAlexandr Zaboevto compete for Estonia.[11]By finishing ninth at the2013 Nebelhorn Trophy,they earned a spot for Estonia in pair skating at the2014 Winter OlympicsinSochi.Zaboev applied for Estonian citizenship, required to represent the country at the Olympics,[11]but in November 2013, Estonia denied his fast-track application.[12]Zabiiako/Zaboev placed tenth at the2014 European Championshipsand nineteenth at the2014 World Championships.In late March 2014, Zabiiako ended their partnership, saying he was too difficult to work with[13]and the Estonian Skating Federation did not provide them with equal financial support.[14]In early April 2014, the Secretary General of the Estonian Skating Union submitted an official rebuttal to Zabiiako's statements. The Secretary General called Zabiiako's statements concerning the Skating Union and her partner slanderous and untrue; "Sport - is voluntary, and each person has a right to make decisions, but to justify their actions do not have to lie and defame their partners."[15]

Move to Russia

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In April 2014, Zabiiako said she would move to Moscow to work withNina Mozerand try out with different skaters,[13]intending to compete for Russia.[2]ISU rules require skaters to sit out a certain period of time after a country change.[16]

In Summer 2014, Zabiiako andYuri Larionovdecided to skate together. In June 2015, she said that their partnership had ended.[citation needed]

2015–16 season: Beginning of partnership with Enbert

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In July 2015, the Russian media reported that Zabiiako had teamed up withAlexander Enbertand that she had been released to represent Russia internationally.[17]

Zabiiako/Enbert's international debut came in October 2015 at the2015 Mordovian Ornament,aChallenger Series(CS) event at which they won a silver medal. In November, the pair appeared for the first time on theGrand Prixseries, placing fifth at the2015 Rostelecom Cup.In early December, they finished fourth at the2015 CS Golden Spin of Zagreband third in the CS standings. At the2016 Russian Championships,the pair placed fifth in both segments and overall.

2016–17 season

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Zabiiako and Enbert at the2016 Rostelecom Cup

Zabiiako/Enbert started the 2016–17 season on theChallenger Series,obtaining the bronze medal at the2016 CS Ondrej Nepela Memorial.Turning to theGrand Prixseries, the pair won the silver medal at the2016 Rostelecom Cup,having placed first in the short and second in the free behind Germany'sAliona Savchenko/Bruno Massot.They then placed fourth at the2016 Trophée de France.These results didn't qualify them to the2016–17 Grand Prix Finalbut they were the 1st alternates and were called up afterAliona Savchenko/Bruno Massotwithdrew. Zabiiako/Enbert placed fourth at the2016–17 Grand Prix Finalafter placing fifth in both the short program and the free skate.

In December 2016, Zabiiako/Enbert won the bronze medal at the2017 Russian Championshipsafter placing third in both the short program and the free skate. In January 2017 they competed at the2017 European Championshipswhere finished fifth after placing fifth in both the short program and the free skate. In March 2017 Zabiiako/Enbert finished twelfth at the2017 World Championships.

2017–18 season

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Zabiiako/Enbert began their season on theChallenger Series,winning a gold medal at both the2017 CS Lombardia Trophyand2017 CS Ondrej Nepela Trophy.[18]

In their first Grand Prix event of the season, Zabiiako/Enbert placed fourth at2017 Skate Canadaafter placing fourth in both the short program and free skate.[19]In their second Grand Prix event at 2017 Skate America, Zabiiako/Enbert placed fourth after ranking fourth in the short program and fifth in the free skate.[20]The pair did not quality for the2017-18 Grand Prix Final.

In December 2017, Zabiiako/Enbert won their 3rd2017–18 Challenger Seriesgold medal when they won the2017 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb.A few weeks later they placed third at the2018 Russian Championships,earning places on the Russian national team for the2018 Winter Olympics.

In January 2018, they won the bronze medal at the2018 European Championshipsafter placing second in the short program and third in the free skate.

At the Winter Olympics inPyeongchang,South Korea, Zabiiako/Enbert placed third in the free skate portion of theteam event,earning a silver medal as part of the Russian team. They then placed seventh at thepairs eventwith a personal best score of 212.88 points.

In March 2018, Zabiiako/Enbert finished fourth at the2018 World Championshipsafter placing fourth in the short program and sixth in the free skate.

2018–19 season

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Zabiiako and Enbert at the2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki

Zabiiako/Enbert started their season in mid September at the2018 CS Lombardia Trophywhere they won the gold medal ahead of their teammatesAleksandra Boikova/Dmitrii Kozlovskii.

In early November, Zabiiako/Enbert won their firstGrand Prixgold medal at the2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki.They ranked second in the short program and first in the free skate and beat the silver medalists,Nicole Della Monica/Matteo Guarise,by about 13 points. Zabiiako described their first Grand Prix victory as "a good experience for us."[21]Only one week later, Zabiiako/Enbert won their second Grand Prix gold medal at the2018 NHK Trophywith a personal best score of 214.14 points. They ranked first in both programs and beat the silver medalist,Peng Cheng/Jin Yang,by about 7 points.[22]

With two Grand Prix gold medals, they qualified for the2018–19 Grand Prix Final.In second after the short program, an underrotated side-by-side jump from Zabiiako followed by an aborted lift toward the end of their program dropped them to fourth in the free skate and fourth overall. Zabiiako remarked that "probably some parts of our program were not quite ready yet, but we will improve them."[23]At the2019 Russian Championships,Zabiiako/Enbert won the silver medal, placing second in both the short and free programs.[24]Enbert said "we’re pleased with what we showed in the free skating. We fixed some issues from the Final and skated at a higher level here inSaransk."[25]

Zabiiako/Enbert were named to Russia's team for the2019 European Championships,but withdrew on December 27, 2018 due to medical issues. They were replaced byDaria Pavliuchenko/Denis Khodykin.[26][27]

One week prior to the2019 World Championships,the skaters were declared fit to compete, and they won their first World medal—a bronze.[27]They concluded their season at the2019 World Team Trophyas part of Team Russia, where they won the bronze medal.[28]

Retirement

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Zabiiako/Enbert did not compete during the2019–20 figure skating seasondue to Enbert's illness. On February 26, 2020, it was announced that while Enbert was healthy again, they would not be returning to competition.[29] In the same year, a documentary film "Unbroken" was released about two pair skating teamsCain-Gribble/LeDuc(USA) and Zabiiako /Enbert(Russia).[30]

Attempt to resume a career in Canada

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On May 18, 2022, it was announced that Zabiiako "is resuming her career and will compete for Canada" withZachary Dalemanas her partner under the guidance of a coach Bruno Marcotte.[31]On July 20, 2022, it was announced that Zabiiako no longer trains in Canada and the request of the Canadian Figure Skating Federation was withdrawn.[32]

Programs

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With Enbert

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Season Short program Free skating Exhibition
2019–2020
2018–2019
[33]
2017–2018
[34][35]
2016–2017
[37]

2015–2016
[1][38]
  • Juno and Avos
    by Alexey Rybnikov

With Larionov

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Season Short program Free skating Exhibition
2014–15

With Zaboev

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Season Short program Free skating
2013–14
[39]
  • Russian folk music

With Kulbach

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Season Short program Free skating
2011–12
[40]
  • Russian folk music
2010–11
[41]
  • Middle Eastern composition
  • Tribute Nostalgia
  • Until the Last Moment
    byYanni

With Muhhin

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Season Short program Free skating
2009–10
[42]
  • Charlie Chaplin

Records and achievements

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(with Enbert)

Competitive highlights

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GP:Grand Prix;CS:Challenger Series;JGP:Junior Grand Prix

With Enbert for Russia

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International[43]
Event 15–16 16–17 17–18 18–19 19–20
Olympics 7th
Worlds 12th 4th 3rd
Europeans 5th 3rd
GPFinal 4th 4th
GPFinland 1st
GPFrance 4th WD
GPNHK Trophy 1st
GPRostelecom 5th 2nd
GPSkate America 4th WD
GPSkate Canada 4th
CSGolden Spin 4th 1st
CSLombardia 1st 1st
CSMordovian 2nd
CSNepela Trophy 3rd 1st
National[44]
Russian Champ. 5th 3rd 3rd 2nd
Team events
Olympics 2nd T
3rd P
World Team Trophy 3rd T
2nd P
TBD = Assigned; WD = Withdrew
T = Team result; P = Personal result. Medals awarded for team result only.

With Larionov for Russia

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National[44]
Event 2014–15
Russian Championships 7th

With Zaboev for Estonia

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International[45]
Event 2013–14
World Championships 19th
European Championships 10th
Golden Spin of Zagreb 2nd
Nebelhorn Trophy 9th

With Kulbach for Estonia

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Zabiiako competes withSergei Kulbachat the2011 World Championships
International[46]
Event 2010–11 2011–12
World Champ. 16th
European Champ. 13th
NRW Trophy 5th 3rd
International: Junior
JGPEstonia 4th
National
Estonian Champ. 1st

With Muhhin for Estonia

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International[47]
Event 2009–10
World Junior Champ. 16th
JGPBelarus 13th
National
Estonian Championships 1st

Detailed results

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Small medals for short and free programs awarded only atISU Championships.At team events, medals awarded for team results only.

Zabiiako and Enbert at the2016 Rostelecom Cup

With Enbert

2018–19 season
Date Event SP FS Total
11–14 April 2019 2019 World Team Trophy 1
75.80
2
141.32
3T/2P
217.12
18–24 March 2019 2019 World Championships 4
73.96
4
144.02
3
217.98
19–23 December 2018 2019 Russian Championships 2
78.53
2
151.96
2
230.49
6–9 December 2018 2018–19 Grand Prix Final 2
75.18
4
125.89
4
201.07
9–11 November 2018 2018 NHK Trophy 1
73.48
1
140.66
1
214.14
2–4 November 2018 2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki 2
67.59
1
130.92
1
198.51
12–16 September 2018 2018 CS Lombardia Trophy 1
72.50
2
123.65
1
196.15
2017–18 season
Date Event SP FS Total
19–25 March 2018 2018 World Championships 4
74.38
6
133.50
4
207.88
14–25 February 2018 2018 Winter Olympics 8
74.35
7
138.53
7
212.88
9–12 February 2018 2018 Winter Olympics (Team event)
3
133.28
2
15–21 January 2018 2018 European Championships 2
72.95
3
137.23
3
210.18
21–24 December 2017 2018 Russian Championships 3
75.00
3
132.51
3
207.51
6–9 December 2017 2017 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb 1
68.76
1
134.20
1
202.96
24–26 November 2017 2017 Skate America 4
70.15
5
127.74
4
197.89
27–29 October 2017 2017 Skate Canada 4
69.00
4
123.70
4
192.70
21–23 September 2017 2017 CS Ondrej Nepela Trophy 2
64.52
1
128.06
1
192.58
14–17 September 2017 2017 CS Lombardia Trophy 1
69.22
1
126.84
1
196.06
2016–17 season
Date Event SP FS Total
29 March – 2 April 2017 2017 World Championships 5
74.26
13
118.28
12
192.54
25–29 January 2017 2017 European Championships 5
72.38
5
128.37
5
200.75
20–26 December 2016 2017 Russian Championships 3
72.85
3
129.06
3
201.91
8–11 December 2016 2016–17 Grand Prix Final 5
65.79
5
122.53
4
188.32
11–13 November 2016 2016 Trophée de France 3
71.36
4
121.20
4
192.56
4–6 November 2016 2016 Rostelecom Cup 1
69.76
2
128.01
2
197.77
30 September – 2 October 2016 2016 CS Ondrej Nepela Memorial 3
67.04
3
114.34
3
181.38
2015–16 season
Date Event SP FS Total
23–27 December 2015 2016 Russian Championships 5
70.60
5
134.43
5
205.03
2–5 December 2015 2015 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb 4
60.96
4
112.66
4
173.62
20–22 November 2015 2015 Rostelecom Cup 5
60.77
5
119.79
5
180.56
15–18 October 2015 2015 CS Mordovian Ornament 2
67.64
2
128.58
2
196.22

References

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  1. ^ab"Natalia ZABIIAKO / Alexander ENBERT: 2015/2016".International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 27 May 2016.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. ^abcdKuznetsova, Inna (8 April 2014).Наталья Забияко: иногда, чтобы чего-то достичь, нужно рискнуть[Natalia Zabiiako: Sometimes you have to take a risk to achieve something].team-russia2014.ru(in Russian). Archived fromthe originalon 11 April 2014.Retrieved8 April2014.
  3. ^Mikhailov, Sergei (7 April 2014).Наталья Забияко: я все обдумала и буду брать российское гражданство[Natalia Zabiiako: I've thought it over and decided to apply for Russian citizenship].Eesti Rahvusringhääling(Russian version)(in Russian).
  4. ^Medvedev, Gennadij (23 December 2014).ФОТО: Чемпионка Эстонии получила российское гражданство[Estonian champion receives Russian citizenship].Delfi (web portal)(Russian version)(in Russian).
  5. ^""Living in peace with yourself is the only thing that matters": Daria Kasatkina embodies the personal power of conviction and courage ".Tennis.July 18, 2022.
  6. ^Harding, Luke (18 July 2022)."Daria Kasatkina comes out as gay and speaks out against Russian attitudes".TheGuardian.
  7. ^""Es ist schwierig in Russland" – Tennis-Star Kassatkina liebt eine Frau "(in German). 19 July 2022.
  8. ^"Daria Kasatkina feeling 'more free and happy' after coming out".WTA Tennis.4 August 2022.
  9. ^"Daria Kasatkina, Natalia Zabiiako pull back the curtain on Indian Wells in latest vlog".Tennis.13 March 2023.Retrieved12 June2023.
  10. ^abVärv, Maarja (15 February 2012)."Eesti paarissõitjate teed läksid lahku"[Estonian pair skaters part ways].Postimees(in Estonian).Archivedfrom the original on 13 March 2012.
  11. ^ab"Russian Figure Skater Seeks Estonia Switch for Sochi Dream".R-Sport.RIA Novosti.4 October 2013.Archivedfrom the original on 7 October 2013.
  12. ^"Estonia stops Russian figure skater's Sochi hopes".ESPN.Associated Press.14 November 2013.
  13. ^abФигуристка Наталья Забияко рассказала Delfi всю правду о своем бывшем партнере[Figure skater Natalia Zabiiako speaks to Delfi about her former partner].Delfi (web portal)(Russian version)(in Russian). 8 April 2014.
  14. ^"Kodakondsusest loobuv Natalia Zabiiako: Eestis on tippu jõudmine ebareaalne [Renouncing Nationality, Natalia Zabiiako: Getting to the Unrealistic Topl]".Delfi.Delfi Sport.Retrieved8 April2014.
  15. ^"Союз конькобежцев Эстонии опровергает высказывания Натальи Забияко [Estonian Skating Union Refutes Statements Of Natalia Zabiiako]".Delfi.Retrieved9 April2014.
  16. ^Mikhailov, Sergei (6 April 2014).Руководство фигурного катания Эстонии в шоке от решения Забияко[Estonian skating association shocked by Zabiiako's decision].Eesti Rahvusringhääling(Russian version)(in Russian).
  17. ^"Наталья Забияко: с нового сезона я уже могу официально представлять Россию на любых соревнованиях!".Archived fromthe originalon 2016-03-04.Retrieved2015-07-17.
  18. ^"10th Lombardia Trophy 2017 - Senior Pairs".fisg.it.Retrieved2017-11-25.
  19. ^"ISU GP 2017 Skate Canada International - Pairs".isuresults.Retrieved2017-11-25.
  20. ^"ISU GP 2017 Bridgestone Skate America - Pairs".isuresults.Retrieved2017-11-25.
  21. ^Slater, Paula (3 November 2018)."Zabiiako and Enbert capture gold in Helsinki".Golden Skate.
  22. ^Mammoser, Scott (10 November 2018)."Russian pair team Zabiiako and Enbert take gold at NHK Trophy".Golden Skate.
  23. ^Flett, Ted (9 December 2018)."James and Cipres rebound to capture Grand Prix title in Pairs".Golden Skate.
  24. ^Flade, Tatjana (20 December 2018)."Tarasova and Morozov lead Pairs in Saransk".Golden Skate.
  25. ^Flade, Tatjana (22 December 2018)."Tarasova and Morozov defend Russian National title in Saransk".Golden Skate.
  26. ^Наталья Забияко и Александр Энберт не примут участие в Чемпионате Европы[Natalia Zabiiako and Alexander Enbert will not take part in the European Championship] (in Russian). Russian Figure Skating Federation. 27 December 2018.
  27. ^abFlade, Tatjana (22 May 2019)."Zabiiako and Enbert: 'Everything is falling into place'".Golden Skate.
  28. ^Slater, Paula (April 13, 2019)."Team USA wins fourth World Team Trophy gold".Golden Skate.
  29. ^"Фигуристы Наталья Забияко и Александр Энберт объявили о завершении карьеры"[Skaters Natalia Zabiyako and Alexander Enbert announced the completion of a career] (in Russian). Govorit Moskva. February 26, 2020.
  30. ^Unbroken (2020)atIMDb
  31. ^"Призер Олимпиады-2018 Наталья Забияко возобновит карьеру и будет выступать за Канаду («Р-Спорт»)".Sports.ru.18 May 2022.Retrieved21 July2022.
  32. ^"Фигуристка Забияко больше не тренируется в Канаде, она вернулась в Европу".TASS.Retrieved21 July2022.
  33. ^"Natalia ZABIIAKO / Alexander ENBERT: 2018/2019".International Skating Union.
  34. ^"Natalia ZABIIAKO / Alexander ENBERT: 2017/2018".International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  35. ^Golinsky, Reut (6 December 2017)."Meet Natalia Zabiiako and Alexander Enbert".Absolute Skating.
  36. ^ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2017 Skate Canada International - Gala Exhibition(Television production).Eurosport.October 29, 2017.
  37. ^"Natalia ZABIIAKO / Alexander ENBERT: 2016/2017".International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 30 May 2017.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  38. ^Фигуристы группы Нины Мозер показали новые программы[Nina Moser's skaters group showed the new programs] (in Russian). Russian Figure Skating Federation. 12 August 2015.
  39. ^"Natalia Zabiiako / Alexandr ZABOEV: 2013/2014".International Skating Union.Archivedfrom the original on 6 April 2014.
  40. ^"Natalia Zabiiako / Sergei KULBACH: 2011/2012".International Skating Union.Archivedfrom the original on 2 October 2012.
  41. ^"Natalia Zabiiako / Sergei KULBACH: 2010/2011".International Skating Union. Archived fromthe originalon 25 January 2011.
  42. ^"Natalia Zabiiako / Sergei MUHHIN: 2009/2010".International Skating Union.Archivedfrom the original on 14 March 2010.
  43. ^"Competition Results: Natalia ZABIIAKO / Alexander ENBERT".International Skating Union.
  44. ^abНаталья Александровна Забияко[Natalia Aleksandrovna Zabiiako] (in Russian). fskate.ru. Archived fromthe originalon 2016-01-11.Retrieved2014-12-25.
  45. ^"Competition Results: Natalia Zabiiako / Alexandr ZABOEV".International Skating Union.Archivedfrom the original on 6 April 2014.
  46. ^"Competition Results: Natalia Zabiiako / Sergei KULBACH".International Skating Union.Archivedfrom the original on 20 October 2012.
  47. ^"Competition Results: Natalia Zabiiako / Sergei MUHHIN".International Skating Union.Archivedfrom the original on 14 October 2012.
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Media related toNatalia Zabiiakoat Wikimedia Commons

World Record Holders
Preceded by Pairs' Short Program
13 September 2018 – 20 September 2018
Succeeded by