Full Breakdown
Kaori Sakamoto Aims for Fourth World Title in Final Competition
3/26/2026, 8:33:12 PM
Sakamoto's Emotional Farewell Performance
Kaori Sakamoto, the Japanese figure skater and Olympic bronze medalist, is competing in her final World Figure Skating Championships, aiming to secure her fourth world title. In the short program held in Prague, Czechia, Sakamoto delivered an emotional performance set to "Time to Say Goodbye," scoring 79.31 points, the highest score of the season. This score placed her in first place, narrowly ahead of fellow Japanese skater Mone Chiba, who achieved a personal best of 78.45 points. Sakamoto expressed joy upon learning her score, marking a significant moment in her career as she reflects on her journey that began in the Czech Republic 13 years ago.
Competitive Landscape
The competition is fierce, with strong performances from American skaters Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito, who are currently in third and fourth place, respectively. Glenn scored 72.65 points, showcasing her ability to land a triple axel, while Levito followed closely with 72.16 points. Notably, Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu withdrew from the championships, shifting the focus to Sakamoto's potential to reclaim the title she held from 2022 to 2024. Sakamoto's previous streak was interrupted in 2025 when Liu won the championship.
Key Figures and Their Performances
Sakamoto's journey has been marked by her previous successes, including three consecutive world titles and a silver medal at the recent Milan Cortina Olympics. Glenn, a three-time U.S. champion, is seeking her first world medal after finishing fifth at the Olympics. Levito, who won silver at the 2024 World Championships, is also looking to improve her standing after a disappointing Olympic performance. Both skaters have demonstrated resilience and skill, positioning themselves as strong contenders in the upcoming free skate.
Official Statements & Responses
Sakamoto reflected on her experience, stating, “It was a good feeling to have,” regarding the nostalgic setting of her last championships. Glenn emphasized the importance of her position after the short program, noting, “I’ve experienced that,” in reference to the pressure of competition. Levito, recovering from illness post-Olympics, expressed her determination to perform well despite recent challenges.
Criticism & Opposition
While Sakamoto's performance has garnered praise, the absence of Alysa Liu has sparked discussions about the competitive landscape of the championships. Critics argue that Liu's withdrawal has altered the dynamics of the event, potentially impacting the overall excitement and competitiveness of the competition.
What's Next
The championships will continue with the free skate segment, where Sakamoto will aim to solidify her legacy as one of the sport's greats. The outcomes of the free skate will determine the final standings and medalists, with significant implications for the future of figure skating, particularly for the U.S. and Japanese teams.
As Sakamoto prepares for her final performance, the figure skating community watches closely, anticipating whether she can achieve a historic fourth world title.
