KELOWNA, Canada - Japanese 18-year-old Rio Nakata placed top after the short program at Skate Canada International on Friday as he made his figure skating Grand Prix Series debut.
The two-time reigning world junior champion landed two quadruple jumps to score 92.64 points in Kelowna, taking a narrow lead over Frenchman Kevin Aymoz in second on 90.26.
"My aim was to go above 100 points," said Nakata, who made an error on a spin. "I was surprised by the spin mistake. I messed up."
"I'm not happy being first now. I'll just give my all (in the free skate)."
His 28-year-old countryman Kazuki Tomono fell on his triple axel as he came third on 85.31.
"I tensed up a bit," the veteran said. "There were parts that were wasteful, but it's easier to go after rivals in the free skate. I'll try to be aggressive."
