MOSCOW, October 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko won his first international skate since taking gold at the 2006 Torino Games on Friday at Moscow's Rostelecom Cup.

After a self-imposed absence from the sport, Plushenko announced in March that he would return to the ice to prepare for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

He took first place in Friday's short program, gaining 82.25 points. Takahiko Kozuka of Japan was second (75.50) and Johnny Weir of the U.S. was third (72.57).

"I'm pleased with my first start for almost four years," he told journalists, reiterating that the Olympics were his aim.

He also admitted that he had felt nervous before going on to the ice.

"Of course I was nervous," he said. "Just like any other person would be. I'm not a robot; I'm a person just like you!"