All of Shoma Uno's expected challengers encountered problems of one type or another in their programs, resulting in his significant lead.
The reigning world champion collects his second straight NHK Trophy title with a dynamic free skate, climbing from second place after the short program.
Among the women, Yelim Kim is in first place, while Kaori Sakamoto and Rion Sumiyoshi are second and third, respectively, after the NHK Trophy short program.
Sota Yamamoto collects silver, Kazuki Tomono with bronze for the men, and senior GP debutante Rion Sumiyoshi hauls in bronze at the Grand Prix de France.
The 22-year-old Yamamoto landed three clean quadruple jumps and five triples en route to victory in Japan’s biggest summer competition.
Without Yuzuru Hanyu, Nathan Chen and suspended Russian skaters, the 2022-23 Grand Prix season will have a different vibe.
“I’m very happy with this achievement. I have worked very hard. I’m happy to finally be first.” ―Uno, 2022 Olympic bronze medalist and new world champion.
Uno skated beautifully to “Oboe Concerto” and surpassed his previous high short program mark of 105.90 at the Beijing Games.
The 18-year-old, who placed second at the Beijing Olympics, is the favorite to win the world title this week.
Daisuke Takahashi and Mao Asada were the first two skaters to sweep both singles titles for Japan, doing so at the 2010 world championships.
Mai Mihara claimed the Four Continents women’s title for the second time, while Kazuki Tomono placed second in the men’s event. Hana Yoshida and Tatsuya Tsuboi...
Despite two-footing the landing on the opening quad axel, Hanyu powered through the rest of his program en route to yet another resounding triumph.
