Japan's Takeshi Honda placed fifth after the men's short program at Skate Canada on Thursday in his comeback following an injury-plagued season.
Honda fell on a quadruple attempt early in his program and collected 61.09 points in his first competitive appearance since aggravating the injury to his right ankle in January.
Jeffrey Buttle of Canada took the lead with 72.15 points, followed by compatriot Ben Ferreira with 67.38.
"I think I skated well overall," said Honda, who turned in a solid performance except for the botched landing on his quad.
"I even felt like quitting but I've decided to live with the pain. Now that I came back, I want to return to where I used to be," the two-time world bronze medalist said of the nagging injury that forced him off the ice for about five months.