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This past weekend, the NHK Trophy showcased some of the finest talents in figure skating, with Japan’s own Kaori Sakamoto stealing the spotlight. The event, which traditionally draws top competitors, saw Sakamoto delivering a breathtaking short program that has put her in a commanding lead.
As she prepares for her final competitive season leading up to the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, her performance could not have come at a better time.
Sakamoto’s routine, performed to the poignant piece Time to Say Goodbye, included a flawless execution of a triple lutz, a double axel, and a challenging triple flip-triple toe loop combination.
This impressive showing earned her a season-best score of 77.05, which places her nearly ten points ahead of her nearest rival, Sofia Samodelkina from Kazakhstan, who scored 67.75.
Setting the stage for a memorable exit
As the reigning three-time world champion, Sakamoto’s presence at the NHK Trophy holds significant meaning, especially since she announced her retirement plans following the upcoming Olympic Games.
With her sights set on ending her career on a high note, she expressed her determination to secure another victory at this prestigious event.
Following a second-place finish at last month’s Grand Prix de France, where she was bested by the rising star Ami Nakai, Sakamoto entered her home competition with a renewed sense of purpose.
Her comment about feeling nervous in the lead-up to the event reflects the pressure she puts on herself. However, once the competition commenced, Sakamoto found her rhythm and executed a near-perfect performance.
Challengers on the horizon
While Sakamoto leads the women’s event, competition remains fierce.
Among the contenders is You Young from South Korea, who currently ranks third with a score of 67.66. Additionally, Loena Hendrickx of Belgium, returning from an injury hiatus, sits in fourth place after a stumble during her routine. The pressure is palpable as each athlete vies for a spot in the upcoming Grand Prix Final.
Looking ahead, Sakamoto will face formidable challenges in the Olympic arena, particularly from Adeliia Petrosian, a young and talented figure skater from Russia. Petrosian has dominated the national scene, winning multiple titles and remaining undefeated in her last eight competitions. With the Olympic spotlight looming, Sakamoto’s performance at the NHK Trophy could set the tone for her Olympic aspirations.
Men’s and ice dance competitions
The men’s short program also delivered impressive performances, with Yuma Kagiyama, the silver medalist from the last Olympics, leading the pack. His score of 98.58 reflected a strong start to his routine, featuring a quad lutz and a quad toe loop-triple toe loop combination. Kagiyama expressed satisfaction with his jumps, although he noted some regrets about minor errors in his spins.
In the ice dance category, British duo Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson earned a season-best score of 81.57, placing them in the lead after the rhythm dance. They were closely followed by Italy’s Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri. A notable comeback was seen from the American siblings Alex and Maia Shibutani, who returned to the ice after a seven-year hiatus. They currently sit in sixth place, overcoming the challenges of their recent training experiences.
Reflecting on a journey
For the Shibutani siblings, their return to competitive skating comes with its own set of challenges. A recent incident involving a leaked video of Alex expressing frustration during practice has thrust them into the spotlight. However, both siblings have reaffirmed their commitment to each other and their skating journey, emphasizing the importance of their unique bond as they aim for a place in the Olympic team.
As the NHK Trophy progresses, the stakes grow higher for all competitors involved. With Sakamoto’s leading performance setting the tone, the excitement builds as we look forward to the free skate and the potential outcomes that could shape the future of figure skating.
