At the Chubu Championships, Yamamoto Sota (山本 草太) unveiled his new free skate, "Tango de Roxanne," and won with a total score of 200.29 points after leading the short program. He produced a result in his comeback competition following a lower-back injury.
The men's free skate was held at the figure skating Chubu Championships, where short-program leader Yamamoto Sota (山本 草太) of Chukyo University unveiled his new program. He scored 122.22 points in the short program and won with a total of 200.29 points.
In his new free skate, "Tango de Roxanne," he made mistakes including a fall on a quadruple toe loop and an under-rotation, but energized the venue with emotionally rich expression, powerful steps and a choreographic sequence. He also commented on the difference between practice and competition.
After the performance, he discussed advice from Takahashi Daisuke (高橋 大輔), who skated to the same music during his competitive career, as well as identifying areas to work on ahead of the Grand Prix of France. Although his fitness and feel for the jumps have not fully returned, he emphasized the importance of expression.
Regarding adjustments going forward, he said that, with limited time, he wanted "to do everything I can." He also referred to a request to make the transition section of the free skate stand out.