NHK Trophy
Kaori Sakamoto dominates short program at final NHK Trophy
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Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto dominated the short program on Friday, putting herself in prime position to defend her title at what she says will be her final NHK Trophy. Sakamoto said in June she will retire from competition after next year’s Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Skating to a season-best 77.05, she led by almost 10 points over Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina.
Japanese figure skater Yuma Kagiyama secured his third straight men's title at the NHK Trophy in Osaka, edging compatriot Shun Sato by just over 1.5 points. Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto won the women's event with the season's best score worldwide, marking a double victory for Japan. The event serves as key preparation for the February Milan-Cortina Olympics.