Dominant Sakamoto defends title at final NHK Trophy, books spot in Grand Prix Final

Three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto performed a near-flawless free skate on Saturday to defend her title in what she says will be her final NHK Trophy.

Sakamoto said in June she will retire from competition after next year's Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and was determined to put in a stirring performance at her home Grand Prix in Osaka, Japan.

Skating to a selection of music from Edith Piaf, Sakamoto landed seven triple jumps to score a Grand Prix season-high score among all competitors of 227.18.

"It was a great experience for me to be able to perform in my hometown," said Sakamoto. "This was an international competition close to my local fans and I feel great I was able to put in such a strong performance."

Combined with her second place finish at the Grand Prix de France, Sakamoto secured a slot in the Dec. 4-7 Grand Prix Final in Nagoya, Japan.

World Champion Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto wins the women’s event at the NHK Trophy

Teenager Sofia Samodelkina of Kazakhstan, making her Grand Prix debut, was second with 200 points followed by Loena Hendrickx of Belgium.

Ottawa's Katherine Medland Spence, the lone Canadian entry, finished 11th among the 12 skaters with 146.63 points.

Canadian Katherine Medland Spence finishes 11th at the NHK Trophy

Skating to "La Alegria," 2024 European Champion Loena Hendrickx landed six triple jumps cleanly to earn a total of 198.97 points.

Hendrickx returned to the Grand Prix series after sitting out the past season due to surgery to repair her right ankle in February.

Hendrickx qualified for the Olympics by finishing third at the ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating qualifier in September.

After winning three consecutive world championships through 2024, Sakamoto finished second at this