Captain Sakamoto Kaori to lead Japanese charge at ISU World Team Trophy
After capturing three of the four gold medals on offer at the World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama, Japan, the hosts name their team for the 13-16 April event in Tokyo.
Figure Skating
Two-time defending women’s world champion Sakamoto Kaori will captain Japan at figure skating’s ISU World Team Trophy next month, the Japan Skating Federation announced on Monday (27 March).
Joining Sakamoto at the season-ending event in Tokyo from 13-16 April will be Mihara Mai; Uno Shoma and Tomono Kazuki in the men’s; newly crowned world champions Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi in pairs; and ice dancers Muramoto Kana and Takahashi Daisuke.
Uno, who like Sakamoto won the singles title for the second straight year this past weekend at the World Figure Skating Championships, did not attend the team unveiling on this day.
Uno was at hospital receiving treatment on his right ankle which he aggravated last week in practise.
Sakamoto, 22, could be the perfect choice to lead Japan given her engaging personality and sense of humour, as well as the results to back it up as world and national champion.
Japan are two-time winners of the World Team Trophy, in 2012 and 2017. The competition was last held in Osaka two years ago, when Russia won.
“It was a frustrating season for me in many ways so I want to end the season with a short and long skate that I can be happy about,” she said.
“I’m a good pep talker so I’m looking forward to it. I hope each and every one of us can turn in the best performance.”
Takahashi will take part in the event for his first - and perhaps last - time as an ice dancer. He and Muramoto are coming off a personal best free skate at the world championships.
“This season, we haven’t been able to nail the rhythm dance and free at any one competition,” the 37-year-old said. “So to mark the end of the season, we want to get them both right at the World Team Trophy.”