[ICE TIME] Summer Cup Recap: Mao Shimada and Rio Nakata are Winners in Otsu

Two-time world junior champion Mao Shimada warmed up for the Junior Grand Prix season by scoring a decisive victory in the annual Summer Cup extravaganza in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, on Monday, August 12 at Kinoshita Kansei Ice Arena.

The 15-year-old Shimada won with a total score of 208.10 points, more than 24 points more than Mei Okada, who finished second at 184.38. Ami Nakai came in third on 184.25. The 2023-24 season JGP Final bronze medalist Rena Uezono was fifth with 172.97.

Rio Nakata, last year's JGP Final titlist, won the junior men's classification with 209.16. Sena Takahashi placed second at 206.72, while Daiya Ebihara took third on 185.62.

Summer Cup Details

Shimada under-rotated a quadruple toe loop that was downgraded, but did land eight triple jumps in her free skate to "Mado Kara Mieru" without incident in the win. She also earned level fours on all of her spins.

"This time both short and free had some challenges," Shimada posted on Instagram on Tuesday. "I will do my best to show you all better performances in the next JGP!"

Okada hit seven triples and notched level fours on all of her spins in her free skate in finishing a surprise second.

Nakai, the world junior bronze medalist two seasons ago, struggled on her opening double axel, but did land six clean triples in her free skate.

Uezono, who received a significant amount of media attention during the offseason, was second after the short program but slid to eighth in her free skate to "The Bells of Moscow."

She doubled a planned triple lutz, then fell on the back end of a triple lutz/triple toe loop combination jump.

Nakata Cites Shortcomings Despite Win at Summer Cup

The 15-year-old Nakata doubled his opening triple loop and a triple axel, but recovered to land a quad salchow and six triples in his free skate to "Jack Sparrow." He showed he still needs some work on his spins, however, as he managed just one level four.

"In this tournament I was able to find many areas I need to improve," Nakata posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, August 13. "I will cherish every day and practice hard so that I can clear them all before the Junior Grand Prix!"

Takahashi hit five triples, but had his quad toe loop downgraded in his free skate.

Ebihara landed seven clean triples and received just one level four on his spins.

Aoki, Tomono Pick up Senior Titles

Yuna Aoki won the senior women's division with 186.36, with Rino Matsuike taking second at 179.08 and Mana Kawabe third on 178.09.

Rion Sumiyoshi (174.52) was fourth, Yuna Shiraiwa placed fifth (151.64), Saki Miyake came in sixth (173.98) and Mako Yamashita (149.64) seventh.

Kazuki Tomono claimed the senior men's crown with 213.09, with Tatsuya Tsuboi (211.31) finishing second and Shunsuke Nakamura (208.45) third.

Trainer Details Uno's Strengths

Shinichi Demizu, the longtime trainer for two-time world champion Shoma Uno, had high praise for his former colleague in an interview with JBpress that was translated and posted on fs-gossips.com.

"He has a strong resistance to injuries," Demizu was quoted as saying. "It's something he was born with; he naturally has sturdy bones, but his joints are flexible. His good motor skills are also genetic, which helped him avoid major injuries. Additionally, he has a high learning ability, so he doesn't push himself too hard."

Demizu said Uno's mental strength is part of what helped him reach the top of the skating world.

"He doesn't compare himself with others; he always compares and competes against himself," Demizu noted. "That's at the core of his nature, which I think is one of his significant strengths."

Demizu hopes for the best for the recently retired Uno.

"I am looking forward to the future as he has aspirations as a professional figure skater," Demizu stated. He then added, "I believe he will achieve them. The ideal is that he lives a happy life, doing what he desires with all his might."

Cranberry Cup Kicks off Challenger Series

This season's first Challenger Series event took place over the weekend with the Cranberry Cup in Norwood, Massachusetts. Lucas Broussard, an 18-year-old from Seattle, was impressive in winning the senior men's title on Sunday, August 11 with 246.48 by finishing first in both the short program and free skate.

Broussard was the US junior champion during the 2022-23 season, but struggled last year in his first senior campaign. He placed 12th at the Cup of China in his only Grand Prix assignment last season.

France's Luc Economides was second with 236.87, while American Jimmy Ma took third on 236.77.

Camden Pulkinen was fourth on 226.97, while Tomoki Hiwatashi struggled and wound up in 11th at 190.56. Hiwatashi was in second place after the short program, but slid to 11th in the free skate.

Sarah Everhardt captured the women's crown with 196.42 after moving up from third place in the short program. Elyce Lin-Gracey was second with 193.99, while world silver medalist Isabeau Levito took third on 193.81.

The next stop on the 10-event Challenger Series will be the Lombardia Trophy in Bergamo, Italy, September 13-15.

RELATED: 

• [ICE TIME] Exclusive: Kurt Browning, Wife Alissa Stressed the Joy of Skating to Japan's Elite
• [ICE TIME] Taira Shinohara Benefits from Training with Yuma Kagiyama

Author: Jack Gallagher

The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan.