NAGOYA — Italy's Carolina Kostner skated steady if not spectacular on the way to victory in the ladies singles at the NHK Trophy on Saturday night.

Kostner, who led after the short program, managed to stay upright for the entire free skate, something that was rare on this night, and was rewarded with the victory.

The three-time European champion tallied 164.61 points to top the podium ahead of American Rachel Flatt (161.04), who finished second.