Teenage star Mao Asada moved into position for her first national title after taking the lead over Miki Ando in the women's short program at the National Figure Skating Championships on Thursday.
Teenage Star Mao Asada performs in the women's short program during Thursday's National Figure Skating Championships at Nagoya's Rainbow Hall. Asada ranked first after the short program.
KYODO PHOTOAsada, who missed out on a second consecutive Grand Prix Final title after surrendering her lead in Russia just under two weeks ago, produced a flawless skate at Rainbow Hall in Nagoya to top the standings with 71.14 points.
"I am really pleased as I performed even better than I did at the NHK Trophy," said Asada, who won the NHK title with the highest ever score in women's figure skating in Nagano this month.