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Kaori Sakamoto Goes Through Final Preparations in Bid for a 3rd Straight World Title

After skating to "Baby, God Bless You," Kaori Sakamoto worked on her triple flip/triple toe loop combination for the world championships in Montreal.

Published

1 month ago

March 20, 2024

Jack Gallagher

Kaori Sakamoto in a March 2023 file photo. (ⒸSANKEI)

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Kaori Sakamoto worked on her short program at practice on Tuesday morning, March 19, at the Bell Centre in Montreal ahead of the start of the World Figure Skating Championships on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old will be going for her third consecutive world crown when the action gets underway with the short program on Wednesday evening.

After skating to "Baby, God Bless You" in the main rink, Sakamoto worked on her triple flip/triple toe loop combination, according to observers.

"I will do my best," Sakamoto was quoted as saying before adding, "I have no choice but to do it."

Kaori Sakamoto Says She's Not Nervous

Following her first practice on Monday, Sakamoto expressed confidence in her form.

"This year's world championships feel like any other competition, rather than making me nervous," Sakamoto stated. "I think I can really relax, so I hope I can continue to stay as relaxed as I am now."

Added Sakamoto, "I don't feel as nervous as I was when I was going for my second straight title. Right now, I have more feelings toward wanting to bring out everything I can do."

*Mone Chiba prepares for the world championships. (KYODO)*

Chiba Showcases Jumping Ability in Practice

Four Continents winner Mone Chiba, who will compete in the senior worlds for the first time, ran through her free skate to "1900's Theme" and hit all seven of her triple jumps in an impressive performance.

After Monday's opening practice, Chiba talked about her focus in the run-up to the worlds.

"I worked a lot on my artistry prior to this competition, but of course, I also want to show my best jumps of the season," Chiba commented. "On this ice, it's really easy to skate. From this point, I want to take care of myself, both mentally and physically, and head in a direction where I can grasp the ice a little easier."

*Senior worlds debutante Hana Yoshida (KYODO)*

Yoshida Focuses on Triple Axel

Hana Yoshida, the bronze medalist at this season's Grand Prix Final, is also making her debut at the senior worlds. She practiced her free skate to "Shakuhachi" and fell on her opening triple axel. But she made it through the rest of the program smoothly.

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Author: Jack Gallagher

The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan.