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Russian "Empress" Elizaveta Tuktamysheva topped the short program at the NHK Trophy figure skating competition on Friday, local edging out favorite Satoko Miyahara after a dazzling display.
Former world champion Tuktamysheva earned a standing ovation after landing exquisite triple axel and lutz efforts in Hiroshima, the fourth leg of the six-event grand prix series.
Her score of 76.17 points is the season's second-best behind Olympic champion Alina Zagitova.
Japan's Miyahara finished just 0.09 points behind Tuktamysheva with countrywoman Mai Mihara score 70.38 and South Korean Lim Eun-soo fourth on 69.78.
"I was a little nervous but I got it pretty well," said two-time world medalist Miyahara after a season's best. "It was a good way to start."
Tuktamysheva and Miyahara are both chasing a second grand prize title of the season.
Russians Natalia Zabiiako and Alexander Enbek, with a score of 73.48 points.
China's Peng Cheng and Jin Yang were in touch with 70.66 ahead of Canadians Kirsten Moore-Towers and Michael Marinaro, who scored 67.70 points.
Olympic and world silver medalist Shoma Uno crashed to the ice attempting to quadruple toe-loop but still after the men's short program with a score of 92.49 points.
The red-hot favorite has a 1.12-point advantage over Russia's Sergei Voronov, while another Russian, Dmitry Aliyev is in the running.
"I really went for it," said Uno. "I've got no regrets – just the fall .. But I'll get together and give it everything in the free skate."
This week's competition is key to several skaters hoping to qualify for the December 6-9 Final Grand Prix in Vancouver.
Former world champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva earned a standing ovation after an exquisite triple axel and lutz attempts
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