Japanese figure skater Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion, delivered an impeccable free skate performance at the NHK Trophy to secure her title in what she has announced will be her final appearance at the event.
Having declared her intention to retire after the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Sakamoto was resolute in showcasing her best at her hometown Grand Prix event in Osaka, Japan.
Set to music by Edith Piaf, Sakamoto executed seven triple jumps flawlessly, achieving the highest score of the Grand Prix season with 227.18 points.
Expressing her satisfaction, Sakamoto commented, “Performing in front of my local fans at this international competition was a fantastic experience. I am thrilled to have delivered such a strong performance.”
Following her second-place finish at the Grand Prix de France, Sakamoto secured a place in the Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for December 4-7.
Kaori Sakamoto emerges victorious in the women’s event at the NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan, with a score of 227.18.
Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina, making her Grand Prix debut, secured the second spot with 200 points, with Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx following in third place.
Meanwhile, Canada’s sole representative, Katherine Medland Spence from Ottawa, finished 11th out of 12 skaters in her Grand Prix debut, scoring 146.63 points.
Katherine Medland Spence from Ottawa places 11th at the NHK Trophy in Osaka, Japan, with a score of 146.63.
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