Mao Asada battled back from a bad fall to claim the women's title at the world figure skating championships here on Thursday.
The 17-year-old looked as if she was out of the running as she tumbled on her triple axel at the start of the free skating programme to Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu but showed her determination to succeed with a stunning routine which moved her up from her silver medal last year.
She landed six triple jumps and four doubles for a combined 185.56 points to snatch the title ahead of Carolina Kostner, who had been bidding to give Italy their first title in the women's event but had to settle for silver after a sloppy performance to Dumsky Trio by Antonin Dvorak.
The Italian had been leading Asada after the short program. She scored 184.68 overall with South Korea's Kim Yu-na moving up from fifth position to snatch bronze for the second straight year with 183.23.
Yukari Nakano missed out on a podium finish as the 22-year-old, who had been third after the short progam, lost points for downgrading a triple axel at the start of her program to Capriccio Espagnol.
Asada becomes the fifth Japanese woman to hold the title and third in the past five years.
Defending champion Miki Ando of Japan was forced to retire just seconds into her free program to Bizet's Carmen because of injury.
Ando, who had been eighth after the short program, stumbled on her opening combination and fell on her triple salchow before stopping and tearfully telling the judges she could not go on.
© Wire reports
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yukisnowflake
Congratulations Mao on your fantastic Gold Medal win.
To all the Japanese skaters you are all thrillingly exciting & talented & I truly enjoy your skating skills, musicality, programs & costumes.
Good Luck to you all.
yukisnowflake
Miki Ando: I wish you a speedy & excellent recovery from your injuries. Looking forward to seeing you back in top competitive form again.