Japanese figure skater Aoki Yuna orchestrated a stunning upset, posting a personal best to claim her first ISU Four Continents Championships crown in Beijing on Friday, according to a report on Olympics.com.
Showing composure and poise that belies her years, Aoki completed an exceptional free program, moving her from second to first place. The 24-year-old Aoki crushed her previous best in the free program segment by nearly 20 points with a score of 145.98.
She delivered her lifetime best in the short program the day before, for a total winning score of 217.39, which was a 22-point improvement on her previous top score.
Opening her program with a triple Lutz, triple loop combination, Aoki was also technically astute throughout to impress the judges.
She leapfrogged compatriot and former Four Continents champion Chiba Mone with rising star Nakai Ami, the last skater on the ice.
Holding nearly a two-and-a-half-point lead, Nakai still had her work cut out following Aoki’s impressive performance.
Her assault on the title got off to a rocky start as she fell with her opening triple Axel, which ultimately cost her the top spot. Nakai recovered well but still made some technical mistakes and had to be content with the silver medal with a total score of 215.78.
Chiba finished third with 202.23 to complete the Japanese sweep of the podium.
Bradie Tennell of the United States produced back-to-back personal bests, which saw her move from seventh after the short program to a creditable fourth place with 199.37.
Nakai and Chiba have been named to Japan’s squad for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, while Aoki is one of the alternates. The Four Continents is their final tune-up before the Games.
