Kanagawa Prefecture native Sena Takahashi, 14, skated two clean programs to win the men's title at the JGP Riga Cup in his first-ever competition outside Japan.
Gold medalist Mao Shimada landed eight triples in all and appeared to get stronger as the program went on, while Rena Uezono rallied for a third-place...
Reigning champion Shimada, who battled nerves, is less than a point behind her South Korean rival at the World Junior Championships in Taipei.
Mao Shimada has a shot at becoming the third woman to repeat as world junior champion, joining Elena Radionova and Alexandra Trusova.
The top scorer on the Junior Grand Prix circuit this season, Mao Shimada rises to the occasion in the free skate after a disappointing short program.
At the Japan Junior Championships, the top four women's skaters are separated by less than three points. Two-time reigning champ Mao Shimada is fourth.
Aiming to repeat as JGP Final champ, Mao Shimada booked a spot in the prestigious event with a strong performance in the Armenian capital.
During her free skate, Mao Shimada was nearly flawless as she landed eight clean triple jumps and executed the choreography of her program with precision.
Skating to "Americano" and "Composition," Mao Shimada was nearly flawless from start to finish. Yo Takagi and Ikura Kushida were second and third.
Kaori Sakamoto, Mai Mihara and Mana Kawabe sweep the Challenge Cup women's event, while Shun Sato and Sota Yamamoto finish 1-2 in the men's.
Shimada outscores Ikura Kushida and Ami Nakai in Nagano to add the Japan Junior High School Championships crown to her glistening collection.
After excelling at the Japan Junior Championships and two wins earlier this season, Shimada is the favorite to claim the Junior Grand Prix Final women's title.
