Asada flashes winning form at Four Continents

Mao Asada of Japan won the women's singles crown at the Four Continents figure skating championships in Jeonju, South Korea, on Friday.

The four-time Japanese champion landed a flawless a triple axel en route a season-best score of 126.74 points, more than enough to wrest first place from compatriot Akiko Suzuki (173.72).

Suzuki, who led entering the free skate, faltered on a combination but retained enough composure to secure the silver medal ahead of bronze medallist Caroline Zhang of the United States (160.78).

Amelie Lacoste, from Delson, Que., slipped to seventh (152.45), followed by Myriane Samson of St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., in eighth (150.90).

Diane Szmiett (140.10) of Watford, Ont., finished 10th.