Japanese figure skating world champion Kaori Sakamoto won Skate America on Sunday, securing a total of 217.61 points at the Grand Prix opener for her third victory in the series overall.
Top after the short program, Sakamoto also came first in the free skate scoring 145.89 for her first title abroad in the Grand Prix series. Her previous wins both came at the NHK Trophy held in Japan.
Isabeau Levito of the United States came second with 206.66, followed by fellow American Amber Glenn in third (197.61).
"It's my first gold medal at Skate America with my fifth appearance. I'm filled with joy," said Sakamoto after twice finishing second at the tournament, in her first senior season in 2017 and again in 2018.
Her opening double axel got the crowd going at Tenley E. Albright Performance Center and the 22-year-old nailed her triple flip-triple toe loop combination in the second half, one that she underrotated in the short program.
"Landing it was all I had in my mind, and it was positive to have done so somehow," Sakamoto said. "I want to go to the Grand Prix whatever it takes and I'm happy to have won (today)."
Rino Matsuike of Japan withdrew from her free skate.
Kana Muramoto and Daisuke Takahashi came sixth in the ice dance, scoring 169.68 in total following their free dance.