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Takahashi tops short program
Source: Agencies |
December 26, 2009, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
DAISUKE Takahashi finished first in the short program at the Japan national figure skating championships in Osaka yesterday, moving a step closer to earning a spot for the Vancouver Olympics.
Takahashi, who is making a comeback from a knee injury, landed all his jumps to record a personal-best score of 92.85 points.
"There were no major mistakes today," Takahashi said.
"I still need to work on a few things like the axel and my steps but overall I was pleased. It would be great to finish first here and get some confidence for Vancouver."
Two Japanese men will earn berths for Vancouver at the December 25-27 Japan nationals.
Takahiko Kozuka, the 2006 world junior champion, was second with 80.54 points while Nobunari Oda, who already secured a place in the Olympics by finishing second at the GP finals, was third with 79.60 points.
Takahashi, a former top-ranked skater, was a three-time winner of the Japan nationals before he injured his right knee last year and missed the entire 2008-09 season.
He was also first in the men's short program at the GP finals in Tokyo earlier this month but dropped to fifth after an error-filled free skate.
Kozuka touched down on a triple axel but avoided further mistakes. Oda fell on his second element -- a triple flip. The men's event concludes today with the free skate.
The women's short program will be held today. Miki Ando has already earned a place in Vancouver leaving Mao Asada, Yukari Nakano and Akiko Suzuki contesting for the final two spots.
The 2010 Olympic team will be named on Sunday following the women's free skate.
Takahashi, who is making a comeback from a knee injury, landed all his jumps to record a personal-best score of 92.85 points.
"There were no major mistakes today," Takahashi said.
"I still need to work on a few things like the axel and my steps but overall I was pleased. It would be great to finish first here and get some confidence for Vancouver."
Two Japanese men will earn berths for Vancouver at the December 25-27 Japan nationals.
Takahiko Kozuka, the 2006 world junior champion, was second with 80.54 points while Nobunari Oda, who already secured a place in the Olympics by finishing second at the GP finals, was third with 79.60 points.
Takahashi, a former top-ranked skater, was a three-time winner of the Japan nationals before he injured his right knee last year and missed the entire 2008-09 season.
He was also first in the men's short program at the GP finals in Tokyo earlier this month but dropped to fifth after an error-filled free skate.
Kozuka touched down on a triple axel but avoided further mistakes. Oda fell on his second element -- a triple flip. The men's event concludes today with the free skate.
The women's short program will be held today. Miki Ando has already earned a place in Vancouver leaving Mao Asada, Yukari Nakano and Akiko Suzuki contesting for the final two spots.
The 2010 Olympic team will be named on Sunday following the women's free skate.
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