Sakamoto on pace for fourth world crown in PragueKaori Sakamoto performs during the women's short programme. (Photo: AFP)PRAGUE: Japan's Kaori Sakamoto surged into the lead in the women's ‌singles short programme at the world figure skating championships on Wednesday, putting her on course for a fourth world title in the final competitive event of her career. It is common for skaters to withdraw from the world championships in an Olympic season after an intense, months-long draining run. "Obviously it ‌was a special season and I was given this special song to skate to for this last season," Sakamoto said. "So, I am very happy that I was able to put in 22 years of skating career in this last, special season.

Source: Bangkok Post March 26, 2026 18:45 UTC