Mao Asada took full advantage of the lead she had after the short program to win her second consecutive national title Friday, fighting off a comeback bid by world champion Miki Ando in the free skate.
Mao Asada (center), Miki Ando(left) and Yukari Nakano celebrate on the podium after the National Championships at Namihaya Dome in Kadoma, Osaka Pref., on Friday. Asada finished first followed by Ando and Nakano.
KYODO PHOTOAsada, who led Ando by 4.24 points in Thursday's short program, failed in her triple axel attempt and had a shaky landing on a combination jump but hung on to win with a total of 205.33 points.
Ando topped the field in the free skate and finished runnerup overall with 204.18. Yukari Nakano followed in third with 184.31 and qualified for the world championships to be held in Sweden in March, along with the top two skaters.