THE SIDELINES : Soviet Leading Women Skaters

Natalia Lebedeva of the Soviet Union took the lead in the women’s competition in European Figure Skating Championships today with the top performance in the compulsory figures.

Patricia Neske of West Germany, who was born and raised in California, was second and Natasha Skrabenevksaya of the Soviet Union third in the competition, which counts for 20% of the total mark.

Lebedeva and Neske were second and third last year in the women’s event behind Claudia Leistner of West Germany, who has since turned professional.

The next portion for the women is the original program Wednesday afternoon, counting for 30%. The free program, worth 50%, is scheduled Thursday night.