Watanabe won the contest of this rank for the first time. The 20-year-old finished sixth after the short program, but she scored 134.32 points in the free skate, giving her a total score of 197.59. This year, the Japanese took 10th place in the world junior championship. During the Skate Canada competition, she replaced the injured Wakaba Higuchi.

“I was very nervous because it was my first Grand Prix. Only a week ago I was told that I would participate in this competition. I had to adapt to the calendar, but I’m happy with myself “Watanabe said.

American Starr Andrews (191.6) came second and South Korea’s Young You was third (190.15). Canadian Madelina Schizas was in the lead after the short program, but eventually fell to seventh (180.59).

Beijing Olympics bronze medalist – Shoma Uno – triumphed in the men’s competition. The Japanese scored a total of 273.15 points. Second was fellow countryman Kao Miura (265.29), who led after the short program. Third place was taken by the Italian Matteo Rizzo (251.03).

Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara won the sports pairs competition with the achievement of 212.02 points. The Japanese were the best in the short and free program. US Reps – Emily Chan and Spencer Akira Howe (186.48) were seeded second. Italians Sara Conti and Niccolo Macii are third (186.18).

The Mississauga, Ont., competition was the second Grand Prix of Figure Skating of the 2022/23 season. The current one will be different from the previous ones due to the absence of the Russians who have dominated figure skating for many years. Russian players have been banned from international competition until further notice due to the country’s armed aggression against Ukraine.