Chiba Stuns Favorites, Takes Lead at Grand Prix Final as Sakamoto and Glenn Struggle

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Japan's Mone Chiba has emerged as the surprise leader in the women's short program at the figure skating Grand Prix Final, held in Nagoya, Japan. The event has seen several favorites falter, including three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto and defending champion Amber Glenn, both of whom made costly errors on their opening jumps. The 18-year-old Chiba, who skated last, seized the opportunity to take the lead with a strong performance, landing a triple flip-triple toe loop combination, a double axel, and a triple lutz for 77.27 points. World champion Alysa Liu of the United States finished second with 75.79, followed by Ami Nakai of Japan on 73.91. Sakamoto, who will retire after this season, expressed disappointment with her performance, stating that she 'defeated herself' with a double lutz on her opening jump. Glenn, who completed the triple cleanly in practice, struggled to land it in competition, finishing sixth with 66.85 points. The Grand Prix Final has seen a lack of clear favorites heading into the Milan Cortina Olympics in February, with the International Skating Union's decision to allow Russian skaters to compete as neutrals further complicating prospects. The competition will conclude with the free skate for men and women on Saturday.