Japanese feminine determine skating chief Rika Kihira proved she is able to struggle for podium locations on the upcoming ISU World Championships by confidently profitable the Problem Cup within the Netherlands.
The 17-year-old, who faltered within the quick program a day earlier, redeemed herself for the error-riddled efficiency by delivering a clear free routine on Sunday when she landed two strong triple axels – her signature jumps.
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Kihira obtained 156.38 factors for her free routine, scoring a complete of 230.65 factors which was increased than Russian rival Alexandra Trusova’s rating on the 2020 European Championships, the place Trusova received bronze.
Fellow Japanese skater Yokoi Yuhana earned silver with 214.56 factors whereas with Canada’s Madeline Schizas claimed bronze (175.56 factors).
#紀平梨花 #RikaKihira
2020ChallengeCup「3A-3turn-Ina Bauer-Twizzles」 pic.twitter.com/TAW7nTzcoY— Sienna_Y (@GusLebon) February 23, 2020
Nevertheless, Kihira’s sum wouldn’t be sufficient to beat two Russian skaters Alena Kostornaia and Anna Shcherbakova, who scored greater than 230 factors on the continental championship in January.
The Russian trio and Kihira will quickly face off on the season-ending would event in Canada, which runs from March 16 to 22.