After retiring with injuries in October of 2008, Stéphane Lambiel believed he'd be watching the Winter Olympics in Vancouver only as a spectator.

But last spring, the expressive Swiss figure skater met Toronto physiotherapist Marla Pichler during a skating tour in Canada. Since then, Toronto has become a haven and a second home for Lambiel.

After getting help from Pichler, he announced his comeback for the Olympics last July 25, and now is rounding into shape as one of the top contenders for a gold medal at the Vancouver Games next month.

Olympic champion Evgeny Plushenko of Russia leads after the short program Wednesday at the European figure-skating championships in Tallinn.

Plushenko earned 91.30 points, a career-high exceeding his previous best at the 2006 Turin Games. The Russian showed he is nearing his best form after a three-year layoff and a lingering knee injury.

France's Brian Joubert is second, with countryman Yannick Ponsero third. Lambiel is fifth.

The men's event promises to be the highlight of the January 19-24 championships in the Estonian capital Tallinn, with the former world champions among those posing the greatest threat to Frenchman Brian Joubert's title defence.

"My medal chances are very realistic," Swiss twice world champion Lambiel, renowned for his tricky spins before retiring in 2008 because of a thigh injury, told reporters.

"The injury bothers me but the pain is under control. We've established a daily routine which allows me to train with as little pain as possible."

Russian Plushenko, making his first appearance at a major championships since winning Olympic gold in 2006, has spent much of his time performing in ice shows and will need to prove this has not taken the edge off his competitiveness.

"He is a great jumper but let's see about his physical shape," Czech Tomas Verner, the 2008 European champion, told Reuters. "It will be hard for both of them to skate again in the competition because they are not used to it.

"But they are great skaters and they have a lot of experience and they will use the psychological advantage they have over other skaters because they are world champions."

Plushenko and Lambiel both are making comebacks from retirement, competing at the European Figure Skating Championships, where defending champion Brian Joubert is considered their top competition.

The event begins Tuesday with compulsory dance and the pairs short program. The men start Wednesday and are likely to be the highlight of the championships.

Plushenko and Lambiel returned to competition this season, and their performances this week should show whether they will be contenders at the Vancouver Games, which start Feb. 12.

"I know that it's possible for me to give my best for the next competitions," Lambiel said in preparing for Euros. "It's the judges that will decide if I'm going to be European champion or Olympic champion."

Plushenko dominated the sport during the last Olympic cycle but, until late last year, the Russian hadn't competed internationally since winning in Turin. His spectacular performance at the Rostelecom Cup silenced many doubters, and he later easily won the Russian national championships, despite taking time off because of knee pain.

Lambiel is making his way back after a nagging groin injury prompted a brief retirement in 2008. He won this season's Nebelhorn Trophy to earn Switzerland a spot in Vancouver, but most top skaters skip that event and his form is still open to question.

In Monday's practice of his free program, Lambiel's footwork was light and his spins fast, but he appeared hesitant on some jumps and took a tumble on what should have been a routine double.

"The most important thing for me is ... to be able to do all my competitions with serenity and good health," Lambiel said.