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Shoma Uno Wins Second Straight World Title Despite Free Skate Struggles
Although he wasn't at his best, Shoma Uno showed the heart of a champion, finding a way to win. His strong program component scores helped lead him to victory.
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SAITAMA ― World champion Shoma Uno successfully defended his title at Saitama Super Arena on Saturday night, March 25, holding off an inspired effort from South Korea's Jun Hwan Cha to become the first Japanese man ever to win two consecutive world crowns.
The 25-year-old Uno, who held a four-point lead after the short program, was not at his best this night, but still showed the heart of a champion by finding a way to win. He landed just two clean quadruple jumps, but earned level fours on his spins and step sequence. His strong program component scores helped carry him to the triumph at the World Figure Skating Championships.
Uno's winning total score was 301.14 points, giving him a five-point victory over Cha, who claimed the silver with 296.03. Ilia Malinin of the United States, who was second after the short program, settled for the bronze at 288.44.
France's Kevin Aymoz came in fourth on 282.97, while Jason Brown of the US finished fifth with 280.04. Kazuki Tomono placed sixth at 273.41.
Sota Yamamoto struggled in his free skate and ended up 15th on 232.39.
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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.
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