Yuzuru Hanyu (26 = ANA) regained the number one spot in Japan for the first time in five years. In the first battle royale in 10 months since the 4th Continent Championship (Korea) in February, the new free song “Ten to Chi to” was revealed for the first time. Overlapping the conflict of the new Corona sword with Kenshin Uesugi, he scored 215.83 points, totaling 319.36 points with the short program (SP) the day before taking the lead. Although not officially recognized by the International Skating Federation (ISU), he achieved a free personal best of over 300 points in the world this season. He was also selected to represent the World Championship (Stockholm) in March next year.

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It was Hanyu’s free impression that her concentration exceeded the excitement of the game. Although I feel the thrill of my feelings, I will proceed with each item accurately and carefully. The result was a wonderful performance.

In the SP the day before I felt the emotion of being able to play the game prevailed. I feel that the skater’s nature, rising as he glides in front of people, casts a slight shadow over his usual calm. I think that was reflected in the fact that he was basically a player who didn’t fail at the highest level in the spin, but couldn’t get to level 4 in the flying spin. In my spare time, I think I was able to control my growing emotions while paying attention to details.

The program was first presented for both SP and free. In particular, “Heaven and Earth” was a show that felt silky to the touch, even though it was featured in the competition for the first time.

Athletes are always concerned with “how they are evaluated by the judges.” As a reminder, it also makes it difficult to concentrate. Each player did not feel free. The player, which was the first All Japan Championship tournament this season, regained his sense of the game after finishing the SP and felt like he was up and running at once.

One, who came in second place, was also very good in free time. He had good eyes and good looks. The impression was that, above all, it seemed funny. Kagiyama also showed a little improvement over the NHK Cup and made me feel the future growth. Although there were mistakes, it was a wonderful performance that made me feel the possibilities of the future. (Representative of the 10th Vancouver Olympic Games, Silver Medalist of the 11th World Championship)