Figure Skating

By topping Hanyu in Friday's free skate with a score of 203.24 points to 193.76 at Maruzen Intec Arena Osaka, Chen earned the United States 12 points, while Hanyu secured 11 for Japan.

Russia finished the first night atop the standings with 49 points after finishing first in the rhythm dance and taking the top two spots in the women's short program.

17-year-old Yuma Kagiyama, making his debut at the worlds, finished second.

Sixteen-year-old Anna Shcherbakova, who led Kihira after the short program, secured the win in her worlds debut after scoring 152.17 points in the free skate to tally 233.17 points overall.

Yuzuru Hanyu is competing in his first international event this season after opting to train alone in Japan during the pandemic, after the 2020 competition in Montreal was canceled.

Kihira earned 79.08 points while fellow Japanese Kaori Sakamoto was penalized for a triple lutz edge violation and is in sixth place.

The Pyeongchang 2018 medalists called for more support of marginalized communities following a recent rise in violent incidents.

The 21-year-old also wants to see strict health and safety protocols enforced after being less than impressed with how some other events were run during the pandemic.

A 16-year-old high school student when the earthquake and tsunami struck on 3/11, Hanyu found purpose on the ice — transforming into a skating icon and two-time Olympic champion.