Mao Asada Wins Cup of China: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Following 12 months away from the sport, Mao Asada proved she's still at the pinnacle of figure skating by winning the 2015 Audi Cup of China. The Japanese skater won the event Saturday, according to the Associated Press (via the Toronto Star).
It's Asada's 15th Grand Prix series win. That's the high mark among active skaters, as noted by NBC Sports' Nick Zaccardi.
Asada showed some rustiness, which naturally accrued during her time away from the sport. Zaccardi noticed "jumping errors."
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Fortunately, Asada survived an early fall to edge out Rika Hongo and Russian Elena Radionova after the day's free-skate event.
Asada entered the day with a lead from the short program. But she "fell on the second half of a triple flip-triple loop combination" before taking a penalty for a late start, per the AP. Yet her rocky beginning was short-lived.
After a signature triple axel had preceded her tumble, Asada returned to the move later in her routine.
Yet despite her victory, Asada was underwhelmed by her patchy progress: “I wasn’t satisfied today. I feel like there are areas that need working on in the free program but I have taken one step toward the Grand Prix Final (in December).”
Still just 25, Asada proved she has lost none of the talent, expertise and grace that took her to so many titles in the past. If this is what she can do while still trying to regain her best form, Asada will surely be a favorite at the Grand Prix.
The challenge now is for Asada to produce another strong showing at the NHK Trophy in Nagano, Japan, at the end of the month. She's determined to master the challenge, even if it means working to refine her skills and routine. “We have something to improve in the future,” she said, per Zaccardi.
It will be a daunting challenge for the rest of the field to defeat the three-time world champion on home ice.
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