Kaori Sakamoto Halfway to Making History with Sublime Short Program at World Championships

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SAITAMA ― World champion Kaori Sakamoto moved out to a big lead with an electric short program at the World Figure Skating Championships at Saitama Super Arena on Wednesday night, March 22.

The 22-year-old is in prime position to become the first Japanese skater ― male or female ― to win two consecutive world titles in Friday's free skate.

Sakamoto is in first place with 79.24 points, more than five points ahead of South Korea's Haein Lee, who is second at 73.62. Grand Prix Final winner Mai Mihara is a close third at 73.46, with last year's world junior champion Isabeau Levito of the United States in fourth on 73.03.

Rinka Watanabe fell on her opening triple axel and popped her triple lutz into a single. She is out of medal contention in 15th place on 60.90.

Skating to "Rock with U" by Janet Jackson, Sakamoto opened with a solid double axel, followed by a triple lutz, and went on to land a triple flip/triple toe combination jump. She earned level fours on her spins and step sequence.

Kaori Sakamoto Delivers a Dynamic Performance

Sakamoto was superb technically, but it was her energy that resonated with the audience on this night. Looking sharp in a black outfit, Sakamoto exuded confidence and power throughout her performance.

"The first half of the season my short program was not stable, so there were some concerns going in," Sakamoto noted. "But I continued practicing, aiming to come here and put on a good performance at worlds. My anxiety and concern turned into confidence."

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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 Twitter @sportsjapan.