KELOWNA, Canada - Japan's Mao Shimada danced her way to claim her debut Grand Prix Series event at Skate Canada International on Sunday on the back of her unbeaten career in the juniors.
The four-time reigning world junior champion, who turned 18 on Friday, had led after Saturday's short program with her personal-best score. She logged 153.33 points in a near flawless free skate in Kelowna to tally 235.44 overall for this season's world best total.
Niina Petrokina of Estonia came second on 221.07 and Isabeau Levito of the United States third on 212.22. Japan's Saki Miyake was fourth on 210.09.
"Of course there were things I could have done better, but I'm happy with the fact I was able to skate through to the end with a smile on my face," Tokyo native Shimada said after her comprehensive win.
The victory saw Shimada become the fourth Japanese female skater to win her debut Grand Prix Series event after Rika Kihira, Rinka Watanabe and Ami Nakai.
While under-rotating her early quadruple toe loop -- a jump she first landed in a competition aged 12 -- and not showing a clear edge with her triple flip in a combination midway through, Shimada nailed her other elements including her favorite spins to underscore her star credentials.
"Today's performance was good. I want to raise my level in speed and expressions to those of the seniors," said Shimada, who could not take part at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February after the International Skating Union's age regulation change in June 2022.
Coach Mie Hamada lauded Shimada's performance, while also echoing her protege's sentiments as she enters a new chapter of her career.
"She's done well. Being able to give her all in competitions and grab wins are wonderful talents," Hamada said. "Going forward, she needs to hone her skating as a senior."
