Satoko Miyahara (JPN) repeats as Skate America Champion

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Kaori Sakamoto (JPN), Satoko Miyahara (JPN) and Sofia Samodurova (RUS) 2018 ©International Skating Union

Satoko Miyahara of Japan repeated as Skate America Champion, taking back-to-back titles in the event. Teammate Kaori Sakamoto made it a one-two finish for the Japanese Ladies, grabbing the silver medal, while Russian Grand Prix debutant Sofia Samodurova skated to the bronze.

Satoko Miyahara (JPN) 2018 ©International Skating Union

Performing to “Invierno Porteno” by Astor Piazzolla, Miyahara reeled off seven triples, including a triple Lutz-triple toeloop combination as well as excellent spins and footwork to score 145.85 points. The World bronze medalist totaled 219.71 points. “I am very happy to skate very clean today. I was very nervous until the very end of the program, because I have jumps until the end. I hope I’ll have more confidence in my next competition,” the 20-year-old told the post-event press conference.

Kaori Sakamoto (JPN) 2018 ©International Skating Union

Sakamoto delivered an excellent performance to “The Piano” by Michael Nyman, hitting a triple flip-triple toeloop combination and five more triple jumps. The 2018 Four Continents Champion earned 142.61 points, which added up to 213.90 points overall. “I am very satisfied with my performance today and I hope it will encourage me for my future competitions. I will keep working hard towards my next Grand Prix in Finland,” the 18-year-old said.

Sofia Samodurova (RUS) 2018 ©International Skating Union

Like the top two, Samodurova was flawless in her routine to the “Burlesque” soundtrack and completed seven triples. She earned 134.29 points and accumulated 198.70 points overall. “I am very happy to skate clean. I hoped that I would be in third place after the free skating today, but I think nothing changed in my approach,” the skater from St. Petersburg said.

U.S. champion Bradie Tennell moved up from fifth to fourth place with a solid skate (192.89 points), followed by Laurine Lecavelier (FRA) on 172.41 points and Megan Wessenberg (USA) on 170.33 points.

Loena Hendrickx (BEL) withdrew before the Free Skating citing illness.