Kagiyama Leads NHK Trophy in Japan, Starting Olympic Season Strong
Japan's Yuma Kagiyama claimed the top spot after the NHK Trophy short programme on Friday, marking his first Grand Prix appearance this season as he prepares for the Winter Olympics.
Strong Performances at Home
In Osaka, Kagiyama scored 98.58, thrilling his home crowd. Despite leading, he expressed dissatisfaction with his routine, stating he "made mistakes on things I couldn't believe." He added,
"I think that's the first time I've ever made a mistake on a spin in competition. It's frustrating to make a mistake on something you can usually do as a matter of course."
He remains focused on improvement: "I'll put this behind me and look to tomorrow."
Competition Standings
- Yuma Kagiyama (Japan): 98.58 points – 1st place
- Shun Sato (Japan): 96.67 points – 2nd place
- Cha Jun-hwan (South Korea): 91.60 points – 3rd place
Sato, winner of last month's Cup of China, aims to secure his spot at the upcoming Grand Prix final in Nagoya.
Women's Short Programme
Japan's three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto led the women's short programme.
Olympic Rivalry
Kagiyama, the 2022 Beijing silver medallist, is considered the main rival to double world champion Ilia Malinin for the gold at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February.
Author's summary: Yuma Kagiyama heads the NHK Trophy short programme with strong home support but remains critical of his performance as he prepares to challenge for Olympic gold.
More News
- Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Silence On Not Attending Diogo Jota's Funeral: 'After My Father Died...'
- NBA Cup: Bucks beat Bulls, Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 41 points
- Magic reverse roles on visiting Celtics for 123-110 victory - The Boston Globe
- Magic opens NBA Cup play with win over Celtics
- How the Bucks overcame 'impatient' offense for NBA Cup win over Bulls
- No. 9 Harvard Football Crushes Columbia 31-14 in Manhattan to Move to 8-0 | Sports | The Harvard Crimson
- Isles' sloppy play against Wild halts five-game point streak at UBS Arena